JMPD launched its Men’s Forum at Patterson Park in Norwood
The JMPD Men’s Forum is a platform for male officers to engage in meaningful discussions about issues impacting men's well-being, leadership, and community engagement.
In celebration of International Men’s Day observed on November 19, JMPD launched its Men’s Forum and the Local Security Cluster Dialogue Colloquium Series at Patterson Park in Norwood the following day.
The proceedings kicked off with a SAPS helicopter flyover, a guard of honour, and music by the JMPD band.
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JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said, “The JMPD Men’s Forum is a proactive platform for male officers to engage in meaningful discussions about issues impacting men’s well-being, leadership, and community engagement. This initiative seeks to promote positive masculinity, support male officers, and enhance their roles as responsible leaders in the community.”
The chairperson of the JMPD Men’s Forum, Reuben Malima it was heartening to see the fruition of the forum and how well received it was.
“Today reminds us why it is important to honour the achievements and contributions of men while we must also address the barriers that hold men back from reaching their full potential. These barriers include the stigma around mental health.”
Malima added the establishment of the forum was committed to dismantling these barriers and prioritising the well-being of officers.
SAPS’ Major-General Mathapelo Peters weighed in and emphasised the importance of men opening up and being vocal about their troubles in the workplace.
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Peters presented the following figures:
Male officer suicides:
- First-quarter, four male suicides, second quarter, five male suicides, third quarter, to date there have been three suicides.
Domestic violence where male officers were suspects or perpetrators:
- Ekurhuleni (16), Johannesburg (27), Sedibeng 3, Tshwane 8, West Rand (5).
“This can only mean that these officers were not in the right state of mind, therefore we cannot judge them for their actions. I want to appeal to the managers that we must introspect and create a comfortable atmosphere for our members to approach us with their troubles in the workplace,” said Peters.
JMPD Chief Superintendent Angie Mokasi concluded by encouraging the officers to work together and always remember why they established the forum, which was aimed at alleviating stress in the workplace.
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