By Loveness Hulwane
The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus Arts Unit recently hosted a Men Evolve Conference.
Men Evolve is a platform aimed at fostering an environment where men can express vulnerability, develop skills to become exemplary members of society, and commit to gender diversity. Furthermore, it serves as a tool to cultivate well-rounded graduates and ambassadors of the NWU’s values, who embody good citizenship.
The conference aimed to address negative stereotypes about manhood, tackle underlying issues affecting men's identities, and to provide a platform to exchange ideas about what it means to be a man in the eyes of the public.
"As we network today, take this opportunity to realise you are the change we need to see in the community. It is in your hands to be better men and celebrate yourselves as empowered men," said Puso Kgosinkwe, manager of the NWU River FM radio station.
During the "meet a man" opener, all those present made the following pledge - "My brother, as we head to the night, I dutifully promise, I will engage and evolve in 2024".
Keynote speaker Jerry Bangude, an author and NWU alumnus, spoke about how his experiences with domestic abuse and gender-based violence shaped the man he is today. He advised the audience to let go of past anger to become better men, and to handle issues calmly.
Life coach Sibonelo Mbhele talked about the concept of a “Man and Men in God”. He said that it is every man’s duty and responsibility to define themselves and to explore what manhood means to them. “Belonging belongs to you. Be like your Creator, as He is a man aligned with His defined purpose.”
Sydney Madibo, lead facilitator at the NGO Father A Nation and freelance trainer for Grounded Media said the duty of a man in modern society is to ensure all those who are supposed to be taken care of, are taken care of.
After the various speakers a panel discussion followed, addressing focal points such as gender-based violence, toxic masculinity and men's mental health.
Bringing the event to a close, Lethiwe Kubheka, the event organiser and Student Life cultural officer, thanked the Arts team for their dedication.
During the panel discussion various issues pertaining to men were discussed.
