The absence of fathers and men in the community turns boys into people that could be a danger to society.
This was the sentiment of the chairperson of the Men’s Forum in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Doctor Njoko, at a Boys Dialogues at Olwandle High School in Gamalakhe last Thursday.
The dialogue was held in celebration of Mandela Day.
Njoko said the world needs fathers.
He said that is why, as the Men’s Forum, they are embarking on visiting schools within the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality.
He added that mentoring boys correctly at a young age could prevent several unwanted things from happening in the community.
Organisations such as Para to Paradise, the Department of Correctional Services and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) were part of the initiative.
RNM mayor Zodwa Mzindle said she was glad the dialogue was held during Men’s Health Month.
She said July, Men’s Health Month, should be treated the same as Women’s Month.
“We have seen that not much attention is given to men when it is Men’s Month. Even when it is Father’s Day, we do not seem to care. That is why we need to emphasise the importance of Men’s Month. We need to teach boys to be better men of tomorrow. We need to do this so that tomorrow they can take care of themselves, their wives, children and homes,” she said.
She added that she grew up knowing men protect and love women and children.
Mzindle added: “Life is not easy, it needs us to be careful and gentle. If you need someone to talk to, look for help and do not sit alone with a problem. Reach out to Njoko of the Men’s Forum, no one will judge you. We need to take care of you because the next president, doctor, mayor, or lawyer could possibly come from this school.”
Olwandle High School principal Lucky Mantsho said the school interpreted this as RNM showing boys of Olwandle love.
He said RNM visited the school because it wants to see young boys growing up to become responsible men.
“We hope that our learners will respond positively to the dialogue because if these young men were to perish today, we have no tomorrow as a country,” he said.
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