Men’s Dialogue – Rand West City Local Municipality

Thabo Motlhabi

“Being a male is a matter of birth. Being a man is a matter of choice.” On Thursday, September 11, 2025, the office of the Speaker in the Rand West City Local Municipality, in collaboration with various stakeholders, hosted a men’s dialogue campaign at the IEC Hall in Randfontein. The dialogue was a proactive initiative aimed at addressing the increasing incidents of gender-based violence (GBV) in homes, workplaces, and communities, with a particular focus on the role men play as both perpetrators and affected individuals.

The collaborating partners included the Proud Fathers men’s forum, Transport Organisations, Ward Committees, Counselors of Rand West Local Municipality, CDWs, the Department of Justice, Prisons, and Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs).

Changing Times, Changing Roles

The event highlighted the shifting dynamics of leadership and masculinity in modern society. Traditionally, men were seen as dominant figures in the household and the workplace, but today’s landscape demands a more adaptive approach to manhood.

Tackling the Root Causes of GBV

One of the core objectives of the dialogue was to engage men from all walks of life in a meaningful conversation about the rising cases of GBV, especially intimate partner violence, where men are often the perpetrators. The event created a safe, non-judgmental platform for men to open up about the challenges they face, such as:

• High unemployment and job loss, contributing to household disputes and emotional distress.
• Mental health struggles, including depression and suicidal thoughts.
• Substance abuse, particularly alcohol, as a coping mechanism.
• The pressure of societal expectations and the lack of space for emotional expression.

Voices from the Community

Manager in the Speakers Office, Mr. Siya Majozi, emphasized the importance of male involvement in efforts to combat GBV.

“Men must always engage and participate in their communities around the issue of GBV. They must be open to sharing their challenges and take responsibility. Among the key challenges raised were high unemployment, alcohol abuse, and depression.”

Mr. Mandla Hamnca, the Founder of the Proud Fathers Foundation, encouraged men to seek help and foster peer support.

“Men should engage with local support groups such as the Proud Fathers Foundation. Sharing their experiences can provide emotional relief and perspective. They should create or join supportive structures, participate in activities that promote mental well-being, and not hesitate to seek professional help.”

Building Brotherhood and Healing

The event concluded with an open-floor session, where attendees spoke candidly about their struggles and shared ideas on how to support one another. This powerful engagement highlighted the importance of brotherhood, vulnerability, and healing as essential tools in the fight against GBV.

A Call for Action

As the world continues to evolve, the role of men in society must evolve too. This dialogue was not just an event; it was a movement toward responsible manhood, emotional resilience, and stronger, safer communities.