KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Zeweli Mkhize today addressed a District Men’s Dialogue as part of planned activities across the province to observe Men’s Month (July).
“Since days of old, it was a usual occurrence for men of different ages to meet and discuss issues that affect them and the community.
“This was also a platform to talk about how – at different stages of a man’s life – one should conduct themselves. This is because there are things that one needs to be made aware of, and teachings that need to be carried from generation to generation on how to look after yourself and your community,” said Dr Mkhize.
The dialogues are going to take place in all the districts of the province targeting 1000 men each, in preparation for the Provincial Men’s Imbizo.
Among some of the issues discussed in the dialogue were culture, tradition and development; masculinity and religion; men and health and many other topics affecting men.
Dr Mkhize addressed the men about the problem of teenage pregnancy, saying men have a responsibility of talking to the younger generation about the problem.
“In our times, it was a disgrace even among your pears to have impregnated a girl to the point that it was regarded as a serious offence,” he said.
Dr Mkhize said the country will not deal with the problem of HIV and AIDS until the issue of behavior is addressed.
He said these problems can be solved when men come together and come up with solutions through honest discussions of their role in society.
“We need to also speak about the problem of older men, who sleep with young girls and infect them in the HIV virus. By the time they go back to their peers, they are already infected with the virus,” he said.
Men’s Month aims to produce confident and skilled providers to fight poverty, as well as deal with human rights, relationships and social ills.
Enquiries:
Regi Khumalo
Cell: 079 751 6108
E-mail: regi.khumalo@yahoo.com
For more information contact:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Cell: 082 375 4742
