A safe space for men to speak up

MEN are reminded to take their health seriously as we head to the month of Movember. Movember is a campaign that encourages men to grow moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s suicide.

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Local men’s health ambassador Phakamani Ndlovu said it is important to highlight the seriousness of check-ups for men. Ndlovu is an activist for men’s health, born and bred in a township on the Outer West area of Durban. Ndlovu heads Phakamani Empowerment, a non-profit organisation that works to empower men to own up to their health.
“We go around Durban and have a talk with men, especially young men, to account for their own health. We encourage people to go for HIV tests and to check for prostate cancer or any health-related issues that could affect them in the long run,” he said.

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Ndlovu said that through his work, he realises, every day, the importance of knowing your health status. “We have encouraged people to go for a check-up, and they discovered diseases they could be saved from. One discovered that they were diabetic, and another one discovered that they were infected with TB,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of men finishing their courses of STI medication. “We have talked to men who were infected by sexually transmitted diseases but who do not complete their treatment because they suddenly feel fine. If you are given two weeks to finish the medication, you need to finish it in two weeks, no matter how fine you feel during that course,” he said.

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Ndlovu expressed his concern about the myths and stigma that surround men’s health. He said that these are the reasons why there are fewer organisations that cater for men, either healthwise or emotionally and mentally. “It is a common thing that men grow up with a mindset that men do not cry, they do not speak up about their issues as this shows weakness, and they need to stay stronger for their families.
“This kind of mindset has caused a lot of issues in our community, such as gender-based violence and femicide. From a young age, most men are not equipped to deal with their emotions, and that shows in the decisions they make. We have met with men who were also abused by their partners but are afraid of speaking out because of the stigmatisation,” he said.
Ndlovu invited the public to avail themselves for their next men’s meeting that will be held at the Wushwini Hall in KwaNgcolosi, on November 19, from 9:00 to 14:00.