Swaneville Men’s Forum Profile
Thabo Motlhabi
Swaneville is a township in Mogale City, established in 1994 as an impoverished community. Over the years, the small township has rapidly developed. Today, Swaneville has RDP houses, a public clinic, a community hall, public schools, sanitation, water and electricity, sewage, infrastructure, sports facilities, a taxi rank, tarred roads, and a growing membership of local businesses that contribute to the community’s economy.
Executive Members of Swaneville Men’s Forum
Mr. Simo Makwekew (President)
Mr. Siyabonga Gumede (Vice President)
Mr. Mzanele Lucky Ntloko (Chairman)
Mr. Bethuel Selaolane (Secretary)
Mr. Lesley Masumbe (Treasury)
Mr. Simo Makwekew, President of Swaneville Men’s Forum
When did the Swaneville Men’s Forum start?
The Swaneville Men’s Forum was established on 21 June 2024 by a group of men who shared similar social challenges in their personal lives, families, and wider community.
What inspired the formation of the movement?
Mr. Makwekew, President
The Forum was born from the personal experiences of men who had witnessed and, in some cases, experienced the social challenges affecting their communities. Some of its leaders had been victims and perpetrators of abuse and had abused their intimate partners and alcohol abuse, but through this movement, they overcame those challenges. Instead of allowing these experiences to divide them, these men come together to support one another and discover solutions. Their experiences also inspired them to reach out to young people, particularly boys, through mentorship, guidance, and as male role models.
Challenges facing men and boys in Swaneville, like many communities, include a number of social and economic challenges, including:
*Crime
*Gender-based Violence
*rape
* substance abuse
* unemployment among youth
* limited resources
* Services Delivery.
* Peer pressure
* Negative influence on young people
* limited opportunities for young people to develop their skills and talents
The Forum believes that young people should not simply be “lazily” doing things. Often, they lack access to the resources, opportunities, and support needed to develop themselves and build a sustainable future.
What programs do the Forum’s hosts
Mr. Mzanele Lucky Ntloko (Chairman)
Swaneville Men’s Forum runs a range of programs aimed at strengthening families, empowering men and women, and supporting youth.
One of the programs we’re hosting is a gender-based dialogue between men and women, programs for young boys at schools, and engagement with various stakeholders and other organizations. Through these partnerships, the forum seeks to learn from others, share its experiences, and work collectively to address challenges in the community.
What are major concerns the movement has experienced?
Mr. Ntloko (Chairman)
We acknowledged that many boys are vulnerable to peer pressure, involved in negative friendships, and influenced by lifestyles influenced by fashion, music, technology, and other social pressures. Its goal is, therefore, to engage with boys early, guide them through these challenges, and help them make positive choices.
The Forum’s Vision
Swaneville Men’s Forum aims to become a positive force for change in the community by bringing men together, strengthening families, mentoring young people, and addressing social challenges through dialogues and collective action.
Contact the Forum for assistance or help.
Mr. Simo Makwekew’s contact: 076 928 1844