Siyakhanyisa Community Centre shines the light for boys and men
We know that men have many issues, but cannot open up to talk about them and some of these issues lead to stress.
Siyakhanyisa means ‘to lighten you’’ and that is what Siyakhanyisa Community Centre did when they hosted a men’s and boy’s event in Phola.
The centre does different things within the community of Phola and the men’s event was one of the projects they hosted with the belief that they would try to make men open up and talk about issues affecting them.
The event was held at the Siyakhanyise Centre on Thursday, October 27.
“We are setting a platform for men to talk about the different issues influencing them. We are planning to have an ongoing programme and to have men mentoring boys, and we hope to expand the programme to other areas as well. We know that men have many issues, but cannot open up to talk about them and some of these issues lead to stress,” said Pastor Joseph Shabangu of Siyakhanyisa.
Inkosi Sipho Mahlangu of Ndzundza Sogutjhe thanked the organisers of the event and said that it is great to have such a gathering for men.
He said a platform needs to be created so that men raise questions or concerns on any subject impacting them.
“This is a good start and we need to support such gatherings and make sure that we spread the word. Drugs and alcohol are destroying our young people, what are we doing as men? We need to change our behaviour and be good role models to young boys. We need to be responsible and live a healthy lifestyle. We need to love and protect our partners and children,” Inkosi Mahlangu said.
Mr Lucky Bothma said men need to be sober-minded, think before they talk or do, and do what is morally right. He also added to say that they must be available and articulate when they speak, and they must reason and be relevant.
Pastor Simon Zwane said men must humble themselves, respect, and show love and trust.
He mentioned also that they must account for and listen, and treat their partners and children with love. He told the men that they must be good communicators and must learn to build and not to destroy.
Men must be trustworthy and plant a good behaviour sense in whatever they do, apologise when they are wrong and be good ambassadors to their families and communities.
Mr Thando Masongo, a former drug addict related his story and how it nearly destroyed his life. He said he was now a role model to a lot of boys.
“Drugs and alcohol are a danger to our society, and they destroy young people. They are not a way of fun, and awareness campaigns must be held to warn young people about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Change is possible, I’m living proof that one can change. I have done bad and negative things in life and committed a lot of mistakes at home and work. I was harmful, even to myself, my family and my society. I can now say that I’m a better person and drug-free. Drugs and alcohol are not a way of fun,” said Thando.
Sister Sharon Mokoena explained the danger of prostate cancer and its symptoms and encouraged men to visit health clinics and take care of their health.
Pastor Shabangu thanked all the people who attended the event and thanked the sponsors and organisers for making the event a success.
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