Vosloorus men’s conference focuses on father and son dialogue
“Through this conference, we are teaching young and old men to live good healthy lives and make sure they do not end up in jail.”
Vosloorus residents held a men’s conference, themed ‘Father and Son Dialogue’ at the Christ Ministries Church, Vosloorus, on July 23.
Men were advised to avoid bottling up their feelings and encouraged to speak out.
Wiseman Langa who was part of the organizers pointed out that the conference needs to take place because men have to be taught how to behave and conduct themselves.
He said most crimes like GBV and domestic violence are committed by men, which has to change, he added.
“Through this conference, we are teaching young and old men to live good healthy lives and make sure they do not end up in jail,” he said.
Langa noted that to a large extent they wanted to keep the Vosloorus Township safe.
“This conference is a continuation of the 2021 awareness campaign against the ills in societies when we walked to KwaZulu-Natal to raise awareness against the social ills, especially GBV,” he continued.
“We are also going to have a prayer session against the ills in the societies at Faith Mission Church on July 27,” said Langa.
Residents partnered with various stakeholders including Vosloorus SAPS detective commander Colonel Phago, Flash commander Captain Matshika, sector managers Sergeant Nogologwe and Sergeant Mdlazi and the communication officer Constable Nompumelelo Nhlapo.
Other stakeholders include CPF, Iziduna, JVTA association, Clinix Health Group, social development, a psychologist, EMPD and the Ward 64 councillors’ office.
The Ward 64 Clr Thekiso Motsopi said the conference must also happen in other parts of Vosloorus.
“We are hosting the conference here in Ext 14 today, but it must happen too in other areas of Vosloorus.”
Colonel Solly Phako of Vosloorus SAPS said most cases of GBV, domestic violence and other serious crimes cases that they handle are committed by men.
“Men should change the way they behave and act – as men are leaders and we need to act like leaders. We must be role models to the young men,” said Phago.
A clinical psychologist of Clinix Health Group, Thembelani Lephoto, said he is happy they are engaging as men today.
“As men, we have a lot of problems but society requires us to be strong. From my side, I think that is one of the things that make men act violently.
“I advise all men to express their feelings, as expressing your feelings helps you as a man because you will never resort to violence,” said Lephoto.
