GSDM’s male staff attend Men’s Conference
“If we want our society to be normal, we must first ensure men and boys are normal.”
The Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) hosted its first men’s conference at the Mayor’s Parlour at the GSDM Office Complex in Ermelo on June 19.
Makhazasi Radebe, the general manager for corporate services at GSDM, said the event’s purpose, which formed part of the Men’s Health Month (June), was to allow the GSDM’s male employees to interact with various stakeholders on issues affecting them.
The MMC for Finance, Bethuel Zunguza, attended the event on behalf of the district’s mayor.
“If we want our society to be normal, we must first ensure men and boys are normal.”
It was a closed session for men that touched on topics like mental health, men’s health, family violence, sexual offences and child protection, child and spousal maintenance, marriage contracts and lobola, and financial wellness.
Municipal manager Absenia Habile applauded the GSDM council and the administrative leadership for establishing and supporting the employee wellness unit in the institution.
According to the Psychology Society of South Africa, the Men’s Health Month objective is to heighten awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.
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This month allows healthcare providers, public policymakers, the media, and individuals to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and prompt treatment for disease and injury.
The National Prosecuting Authority, the SAPS, the departments of justice, social development, health, and finance and other institutions were among the stakeholders to participate.
The GSDM male staff attended in numbers and participated in all engagements, with the primary intention being to ensure wellness for men and a healthy society.
