This was the message during this year’s rendition of the Classic Men Symposium, hosted on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Vanderbijlpark.
The event saw more than 300 male students gather to define the qualities that contribute towards the spirit of a gentleman. The keynote speakers – Dr Ilyayambwa Mwanawina (senior lecturer in the Faculty of Law at the NWU), Mr Jabu Mbongo (author and life coach) and Mr Sipho Mbele (radio presenter and actor) – were all in agreement: being a gentleman revolves around a single word: ‘respect’. Respect for yourself, those you care about, and those you want to care about.
Encouragement from Prof Linda du Plessis
In her welcoming address, Prof Linda du Plessis, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Planning and Campus Operations, described the symposium as an “exciting endeavour”. She applauded the organisers and the attendees for their discipline and willingness to go against the grain of popular culture to become men of worth.
“If you choose to conduct yourself as a gentleman in all instances, you will enhance your life, both personally and professionally,” said Prof du Plessis and added that a gentleman – or a classic man – is his own man, with his own voice and unique style.
“You’ve heard it a hundred times: chivalry is dead. But by means of this symposium, you are changing the tables on this misconception,” said Prof du Plessis and added that although modern women aren’t idly waiting around for men to whisk them off their feet, there are still certain gentlemanly rituals women want men to uphold. The latter referring to being considerate, respectful and polite opposed to just opening the car door in an attempt to uphold a popular tradition.
She concluded by saying: “It is my hope that this event will inspire each young man in attendance to not just look the part, but to act the part as well. Always attempt to be better professionals, partners, friends and brothers.”
Be the change you want to see
Dr Ilyayambwa Mwanawina pointed out that the university is not immune to the social ills that exist in the broader society. The microcosm of societal issues such as sexism, racism, xenophobia and ignorance are ails that exist all around. He challenged attendees to grapple with these issues in a constructive manner and to act as champions of change.
In his address Mr Jabu Mbongo told attendees to stop focusing on absent fathers, but to adjust their focus to opportunities at hand. “A classic man has a clear vision and he is on course to achieve his goals,” said Mbongo.
In closing, Mr Sipho Mbele, a seasoned television actor, told attendees that each mistake represents a lesson to be learnt.
More about the Classic Men Symposium
The annual Classic Men Symposium, regarded as one of the highlights of the organised student life calendar, represents a dynamic collaboration between the Campus Student Representative Council (CSRC), several affiliated student bodies and the campus’s Alumni Office.
According to Thami Mongezi, the CSRC projects officer and coordinator of the symposium, the event aimed to challenge beliefs. “It is a sad reality that many young men grow up with an absent father and as such male role models are either not in the picture or are emotionally unavailable. The results speak for themselves: low self-worth, blurred boundaries, unhealthy habits and emotional voids,” explains Thami. The event therefore – in short, aimed to make young men aware of the impact they have in their respective communities.
* In a symbolic gesture each attendee received a bowtie to symbolise his membership to the campus’s Gentlemen’s Club.
More than 300 young men attended this year’s rendition of the Classic Men Symposium, hosted on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Vanderbijlpark
