​As part of Fatherhood Month celebrations, the Gauteng Department of Social Development, in partnership with the Men’s Forum, hosted a powerful engagement session with men at the Southern Corridor regional office last week Friday, 27 June 2025.

The purpose of the session was to raise continuous awareness about Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), while engaging men on social challenges that affect them directly such as inequality, unemployment, and mental health, which are often contributing factors to GBV.

About 150 men from across the region attended the session to add their voices to these critical conversations.


Chairperson of the Men’s Forum, Mr. Veli Shongwe, emphasized the need for men to take responsibility for their actions and to boldly say “Not in our name” when it comes to GBV.

 
“We have realized that campaigns to prevent GBV must directly involve men and boys. That’s why we are inviting men to step up, join the movement, and take a stand,” said Shongwe.

 
He stressed the importance of creating safe spaces where men can speak openly about their struggles. “Men are often raised to be tough and silent about their pain. But in that silence, they destroy themselves mentally,” he said.

 
Shongwe also highlighted that many GBV perpetrators are shaped by harmful cultural perceptions of gender roles, power dynamics, and the normalization of male aggression and dominance.

 
Social entrepreneur and chartered marketer Thato “TT” Mbha encouraged men to become positive role models in their families and communities.

 
“Some young boys grow up violent because they lacked present, positive father figures. We encourage fathers to be there for their children, to talk to them, and to teach them the value of respecting and protecting women,” he said.

 
Motivational speaker Melusi Ngwenya emphasized the urgent need to address men’s mental health challenges. “Men also go through difficult times. Young people need to see their fathers model values like honesty, respect, and empathy,” Ngwenya said.

 
Audience member Tebogo Mofokeng praised the dialogue, saying such engagements should happen monthly until GBV is significantly reduced.

 
“Despite laws and awareness campaigns, some men still justify violence under certain circumstances and see the law as being too lenient toward women. I am pleased with platforms like this, as they provide much-needed information and guidance. I’m confident that change is possible,” he concluded.