By: Sello Theletsane
An organisation whose aim is to fight the scourge of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and femicide is hosting an International Men’s Day event in Soweto on Sunday.
Mzansi Act Now said it would partner with the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, the Sovereign Congress
of African Leaders, the South African National Taxi Council, Speak Your Mind, BMW Joburg City and Jabulani Safe Hub to commemorate International Men’s Day and to recognise Men’s Month.
The line-up of speakers at the event will be led by the City of Joburg Member of the Executive Committee (MMC) for Roads and Transport Councillor Kenny Kunene who will tackle the topic: Men’s Socio-economic Conditions. Kunene will be joined by controversial crime buster, Xolani Khumalo, who has found another way to continue his anti-crime campaign after he was dropped by Moja Love recently after doing two seasons of the channel’s drug-busting show, Sizokuthola.
It was announced last week that Khumalo had joined hands with the MMC for public safety in the City of Johannesburg, Mgcini Tshwaku, in fighting crime in the city.
National Taxi Council (Santaco) president Abner Tsebe, Entrepreneur, philanthropist and Musician DJ Sbu, Revival In Christ Ministries Prophet Thabo Mpyane and author, Penuel Mlotshwa will complete the speaker line-up.
Mzansi Act Now chairman, Tebogo Lerole said: “The Men’s Imbizo has partnered with men forums, sectors of men from Soweto and surrounding areas as we tackle many concerns that men face, including parental alienation, abuse, suicide, respect, violence, spiritually, financial wellness, mental health, depression and marriage as some of the issues that affect men,” said Lerole.
“The objectives of celebrating International Men’s Day are set out in ‘The Six Pillars of International Men’s Day’.”
“Our mission is to eradicate the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, Societal Ills, heinous and horrible acts of human brutality and the worst kind of moral paralysis,” added Lerole.
He said it was critical for men “to address coherent engagements in structures such as faith-based organisations, civil society organisations, government and the corporate sector to advance the issue of social justice”.
“This initiative facilitates and champions the creation of safe spaces and coherent engagements between men forums, men sector, civil society, government and the corporate sector.”
Lerole said Mzansi Act Now “seeks to observe and enhance interventions on gender-based violence and femicide, men and boys mentorship, substance abuse, mental health, spiritually, financial wellness and fatherhood”.
“The programme’s objective intends to reconstruct the decaying moral fibre of society. Promote positive male role models or everyday heroes not just celebrities and sportsmen but everyday, working-class men who are living decent, honest lives.”
He added that the programme was also at aimed honouring and recognising community heroes and role models and to celebrate men’s positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and to the environment.
“The programme also focuses on men’s health and well-being social, emotional, physical and spiritual and highlights discrimination against males; in areas of social services, social attitudes and expectations and law”
Lerole said the programme further “seeks to improve gender relations and promote gender equality, create safe spaces, better communities where people can be safe and grow to reach their full potential”.
Sunday’s event will kick off at 10am at Jabulani Safe Hub.
For more information on the event contact:
Mpho Lerole on 081 869 5210
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