A very crucial workshop was conducted at Imbabazane Local Municipality on March 4. This was done in partnership with Bhekuzulu Self-Sufficient Project (BSSP). This workshop came at the right time when South Africa is celebrating 60 years since the adoption of the Freedom Charter in Kliptown South of Johannesburg in 1955.
In commemorating this document the present government of the republic has launched a Social Cohesion Campaign, which teaches tolerance among citizens of different nationalities. The Mayor Phindile Strydom felt the necessity to revive the Men’s Sector to allow men to claim their rightful place in the Imbabazane community. The Mayor then sourced the services of one of the most effective NGO’s known as Bhekuzulu Self-Sufficient Project (BSSP) to run this workshop under the theme – Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Real (SRHR). Stakeholders who formed part of this workshop included Community Development Workers, departments of Health and Social Welfare, Health Systems Trust and the municipality.
Each ward sent four delegates to take part in this momentous seating. The main aim as stated by BSSP facilitators was for men to share social issues that affect them in general. Issues tackled in this all important workshop were gender based violence, sexual diversity and male medical circumcision (MMC). A Child Welfare SA – Amangwe based official presented a very serious session on issues of diversity. A clear distinction between sexual encounter tasks and sexual reaction was made to the attendees. All sorts of phobias relating to gender and sex were clearly elucidated. The MMC campaign was presented by the Health Department.
At least 150 boys should undergo circumcision per month. Advantages of having males circumcised were put on the table and a schedule of this campaign was given to the relevant people to notify the public. The last presentation was done by a provincial Men’s Sector official who also hails from the Health Department. He applauded the Mayor for making the Men’s Sector revival a priority. According to the speaker, the type of leadership that the Imbabazane Mayor provides; shows that she is concerned about family building and solidification. He then unpacked Men’s Sector campaigns to be rolled out throughout the country. Amid those mentioned were Brothers For Life, What is in your pocket?, One man can, New man, 16 Days of Activism and the World Aids Day.
“We need to think as one in the Men’s Sector if we want to make a difference in our societies,” he said. Males were also encouraged to see doctors frequently for the betterment of their health. This indeed was a fruitful workshop and hopefully positive results will follow.
