Byline: Andani Matumba
17 July 2022
Men as providers, heads of families and protectors face so many challenges in silence in a society where men are not allowed to cry, to vent and without a trustworthy platform they can explore to assist in resolving their issues.
Isiphephelo Multi-Purpose Centre, a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) situated in Embalenhle hosted a dialogue session with men from around Kinross at Ex 25 Municipal office.
The NPO is funded by the Department of Social Development (DSD) to render HIV and Aids Awareness, which includes Men Championing Change program (MCC).
The program was aimed at offering a platform for men to engage each other on the social ills that impact on their daily life.
“The program encourages men to talk and be part of solutions to these social ills.
It also recognises the positive useful and impactful role that men need to play in order to heal the society,” said the Manager of Isiphepelo Multi-Purpose Center, Ms Ntombikayise Masala.
Stakeholders from the Department of Health (DOH), South African Police Services (SAPS), Department of Social Development (DSD), South Africa Social Service Agency (SASSA) and the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) gave presentation on how the role each stakeholder plays within a man’s life and how they can approach them for assistance.
Due to the high unemployment rate within the township and the amendments on the unemployed and youth social grant, the presentation of SASSA grabbed the attention of many.
actually relayed how they depend on the child grant as well the R 350-00 to fend for themselves. Some of the men in attendance of the session thanked the NPO for hosting such an event where they can come together and discuss issues which affect them and hope for more of sessions of this nature to be hosted more frequently.
Meanwhile some even went as far as seeking help through the engagement session regarding their anger issues, domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse as well as health tips from the various stakeholders which were in attendance and the event ended with pleased attendee’s who found it beneficial.
