THE Montclair Spiritual Crime Prevention (SCP) recently held an informative and engaging men’s conference in observance of July being Men’s Mental Health Month. Around 80 men braved the bad weather to attend the impactful talk.

Also read: Montclair churches urged to take part in crime prevention measures

Pastor Caleb Sookhoo, public relations officer of the spiritual crime prevention, said the conference brought together a panel of prominent speakers who tackled major issues facing men and communities in SA today.

Speakers:

• Aidan David – CPF district chairperson
• Lieutenant Colonel Nkululeko Percival Kweyama – Men for Change
• Thembinkosi Ntombela – Department of Social Development.
• Advocate Vuyisile Mafuna – National Prosecuting Authority.
• Dr. Donovan Andrews – Thuthuzela Care Centre.

Lieutenant Colonel Velu Perumal Moodley, Montclair police station’s acting station commander and one of the co-keynote speakers, called on men to reclaim their role as protectors. “We need to have a community that stands in unity. Men need to take the lead and lead with integrity,” he said.

A highlight of the conference was the address by keynote speaker Ravi Naidoo, a former gang leader and ex-prisoner who was among the infamous Phoenix 5. A former death row prisoner who received a presidential pardon from Nelson Mandela, Naidoo delivered an emotional testimony of redemption and personal renewal that moved many in the audience.

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Sookhoo emphasised on the broader purpose of the conference, which was creating a safe space for men to process their trauma and reframe stories of masculinity.

“Boys don’t cry is a proverb that we all have heard at some point in our lives. The problem with that statement is that it teaches boys who will become men not to process emotions in a healthy way. Points of trauma gets bottled up and negative emotions start to fester within us. Toxic masculinity needs to be addressed. Men cannot be ashamed of being men. Healthy masculinity is needed more than ever and we must teach our boys and men how to feel and take responsibility in a healthy manner,” he shared.

A question-and-answer session enabled the audience to engage directly with the speakers, including Naidoo, in frank discussion about crime prevention, emotional wellness and the role of men in building safer communities.

Pastor Sookhoo said the large turnout was indicator on the need for talks and more platforms like this.

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