Siphelele Nketo 

NON-profit organisation Ibutholabesuthu in partnership with Bright Future Organisation will be hosting a two-day programme called Umfana Uyazalwa, Indoda Iyakhiwa. The aim of the programme is to develop men in the grassroots areas of Donnybrook in KwaZulu-Natal.

The event from July 24-25 at the community hall in Owambeni will bring together men from as young as 13 years old to share valuable ideas for a better society.

The event also aims to raise awareness about key roles of men in society, while developing them into responsible men in the future.

Day one of the event will involve a night gathering titled Ingoma Yamagoso, where men will be chanting traditional songs while being taught about their significance in their homes and society. Organiser Mzamo Memela said the event forms part of celebrating men’s month, which takes place in July. He said the purpose of bringing men together is to give them a chance to talk about their problems, offer therapeutic support and create a safe space where educational ideas can be shared. The gathering comes at a time when a large number of men are bottling up issues affecting them, such as unemployment. According to Memela, the gathering will be a safe space for men to vent and collectively devise best approaches.

“I started the programme three years ago after I noticed most men going through difficulties,” he said, adding that the involvement of men in cases of gender-based violence also resulted in the formation of the programme. He said another reason for the initiative was to end faction fights among young people in the area.

“The hatred among young people needs to be stopped before it escalates to a level where it is uncontrollable. I host camps where I sit with young men to instil unity and let them enjoy a peaceful environment rather than being exposed to violence,” he added. 

The second day of the programme will include various speakers such as representatives from government departments, traditional leaders and organisations.