By Philiswa Mbanjwa
The significance of the influence of a male role model starts in early childhood. Having a strong figure for support and guidance increases children’s ability to form trusting relationships and shapes their ability to interact positively with others.
Irrespective of whether a biological father is present, there are crucial developmental stages in children’s early years that are influenced by a male link of some kind.
In a country where Gender-based violence (GBV) has reached pandemic proportions, the role of positive role models has become even more critical.
“It is important for men to become actively involved in the fight against GBV,” said Gauteng Social Development Director for Stakeholder Relations, Bongani Ngomane on the eve of the 365 Men of The Year Awards ceremony.
On 25 November the Gauteng Department of Social Development held the annual 365 Men of The Year Awards ceremony, to honour and shine the spotlight on men who are good role models making a positive contribution to society.
The ceremony was held at Johannesburg’s Market Theatre, under the theme Mobilising Men And Young Boys against GBV.
The night was nothing short of legendary as the red carpet was rolled out to celebrate men who are doing the wonderful work of fighting GBV and uplifting their communities, through organisations and community development programs.
The awards are a way of recognising the good work done by men in society and educating men and young boys about social responsibility. The initiative is an awareness-creating campaign designed to transform South African men towards a peaceful gender sensitive society.
A total of 24 men were honoured and recognised for their positive masculinity and the work they do to bring about change in the community. The prestigious ceremony coincided with the start of the 16 Days Of Activism campaign to solidify the message of fighting GBV by celebrating those who are champions of change.
MEC for Gauteng Department of Social Development, Mbali Hlophe handed awards and certificates to four legends which included Ephraim Jomo Sono, Apostle Ian Sithole, Martin Sweet and Dr Elijah Malembe Maswangayi, honouring them as great male examples.
There is always a complaint that more attention is put on women and men are somehow neglected. With campaigns like take a girl child to work always in the forefront, it is often felt like men are forgotten. While addressing the audience, MEC Hlophe said that awards like these aim to reverse that negative trend and bring a balance to both genders and also change the narrative of focusing on one gender more than the other.
“And maybe as a government if we’re to introspect and say we’ve been trying to build equality, we focused on the women to the detriment of the men.” MEC Hlophe said.
“We’re here to correct that, and part of correcting that is through such events and such programs.” She added.
Bongani Ngomane also took to the stage to honour 20 men who are fighting poverty, and GBV, and creating jobs in their communities. These men do this through their respective organisations. From well-known individuals like Oupa Manyisa and Brighton Mhlongo to ordinary South Africans, these men were appreciated with certificates to encourage them and also inspire other men to do likewise.
The categories range from sport, education, youth development, entrepreneurship, arts and culture and more.
Meanwhile, about 150 young boys attended the ceremony, which was a true definition of lugotshwa lusemanzi, which means it is bent while it is wet. These young boys were thought about life skills, how to carry themselves in society and also taught about what makes a man.
Seeing men being recognised and applauded for being good role models will in turn encourage them to follow in those footsteps. It’s using positive behaviour to promote positive role models for the next generation to follow.
Sifiso Vabaza (15), excitedly told the Men’s Voice that he learnt a lot from this event: “I learned that it’s not okay to beat women, and also to not judge other people’s sexual orienta
