Men were advised to avoid bottling up their feelings during a Vosloorus Men’s Conference themed ‘Father and Son Dialogue’ that was held at the Christ Ministries Church on July 23.
The conference was held by the residents of Vosloorus in partnership with Vosloorus SAPS, CPF, Iziduna, JVTA association, Clinix Health Group, and EMPD.
Wiseman Langa who was part of the group that initiated the conference pointed out that it was important for the conference to take place because men need to be taught how to behave and conduct themselves.
“Most of the crimes, GBV, and domestic violence acts are committed by men so that has to change.
Through this conference, we are teaching young and old men to live good lives and make sure they don’t end up in jail. And to a large extent, we want to keep Vosloorus safe.
“This conference is a continuation of the awareness campaign against the ills in societies that we held last year. At that time we walked to KwaZulu-Natal to raise awareness against the ills in the societies, especially GBV.
“We are also going to have a prayer session against the ills in the societies at Faith Mission Church on July 27,” said Langa.
The Ward 64 councillor Thekiso Motsopi said the conference must happen in other parts of Vosloorus.
“We are hosting the conference here in Extension 14 today, but it must happen in other areas of Vosloorus.”
Colonel of the Vosloorus SAPS, Solly Phago said most of the cases they deal with of GBV, domestic violence, and crimes are committed by men.
“Men should change the way they behave and act. We as men are leaders and we need to act like leaders. We have to be role models to the young men,” said Phago.
A Clinical Psychologist of Clinix Health Group Thembelani Lephoto said he is happy that they are engaging as men today.
“As men, we have a lot of problems but society requires us to be strong. And from my side, I think that it is one of the things that make us act violently as men.
“I advise men all to express their feelings. Expressing your feelings helps you as men because you will never resort to violence as a man,” he said.
