Men launch forum amid attacks against women

By Masilo Malakwane

QWAQWA – The recent spate of brutal attacks and murder of women in Maluti-a-Phofung local municipality has prompted 60 men from Matshekgeng on the outskirts of Makwane village to take a firm stance to support their women and to address issues of violence and abuse in a more co-ordinated manner.

One of the men, Martin Blankwe, said the formation of a men’s forum will come in very handy, “because as men we often become victims without realising it, so this forum will be an eye opener to those men who are being abused emotionally because they are unemployed,” said Blankwe.

The launch was done with the help of the social development NGO, Qholaqhwe Advice Centre and other government stakeholders to provide the support centre and to address men’s challenges from the root.

According to chairperson of Men’s Forum in Thabo Mofutsanyana District, Khumalo Dingaan, “this forum will be expected to mobilise support for bringing structural changes within society and the formation of the much anticipated Men’s Parliament where men’s forums from all wards will be afforded an opportunity to address their challenges and shortcomings,” said Khumalo during the event at Molapo. Secondary School.

He said men must step up to keep their area safe and become more involved in matters of positive leadership within society by tackling community issues.

“We have realised the challenges of morals among boy children in the fight against substance abuse and gender-based violence. Residents no longer feel safe around men; hence we try to put them back in their position by putting them in such structures,” said Khumalo.

Meanwhile, police spokesperson in Thabo Mofutsanyana, Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, stressed the fact that the recent brutal attacks on women in this municipality remains a huge concern. This after six women and a young boy were brutally murdered at Lismor Farm in Kestell on Saturday,16 July.