Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu takes boys’ assembly to Pongola
The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ms Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, in partnership with the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) Men’s Sector, will host a Boys’ Assembly on Sunday, 23 February, in Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal Province.
This address will unfold as part of the Men Championing Change programme which was officially launched in August 2018 by the Department of Social Department in association with the SANAC’s Men’s Sector through the organisation’s Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement.
Takuwani Riime, is a Venda expression meaning: “Let Us Stand Up Together”, seeks to engage collective men’s action and responses to adverse social conditions. Takuwani Riime aims to encourage men take accountability for their contribution in resolving social challenges affecting their communities. The programme is also about motivating men to play a role in the prevention of HIV, gender-based violence and other social ills.
The Department of Social Development leads the implementation of Goal 4 of the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs (2017-2022) which seeks to address social and structural drivers of HIV, TB and STIs. Globally, it is recognised that gender inequality, harmful cultural practices and beliefs influenced by patriarchal norms and toxic masculinities are some of the social and structural factors that drive the dual burden of gender-based violence and the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
In line with the National Strategic Plan, the Department developed social and behavioural change programmes to promote positive behavioural outcomes that are critical in changing the course of the epidemics. To this end, the Department has partnered with the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) Men’s Sector under the Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement to engage men and boys as agents of change and as integral partners in the prevention the spread of HIV, sexual abuse, gender-based violence and many other social ills confronting South Africa.
The Boys’ Assembly will provide a public participation platform for boys to discuss issues affecting them. This platform will also afford boys an opportunity to discuss social ills that they are experiencing and give them a space to share their proposed solutions.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the events arranged as follows:
Date: Sunday, 23 February 2020
Time: 10h00
Venue: Ncotshane Sports Ground – Pongola, KZN Province
Media can RSVP by contacting Mr Moeketsi Khoaele on 066 286 2823 / MoeketsiK@dsd.gov.za
Media enquiries may be directed to Ms Nomfundo Lentsoane on 066 480 6845 / NomfundoLe@dsd.gov.za
