GEORGE NEWS - Close to 80 residents attended the "men's corner" gathering which was recently held at Tyholorha Primary School in Thembalethu. 

The District Commissioner of the Garden Route, Lt-Gen Norman Modishana, addressed the amadoda (men) about the importance and understanding of working together in Thembalethu. 

Modishana said victims of crime and drugs in our communities are increasing daily and it's time for the men to stand up and work together with their community police forums.

Xolani Henge, chairperson of Thembalethu Community Police Forum, had a men's heart-to-heart with the attendees. He shared ways to deal and combat crime in our societies, and gave advice on how to set the standard and behave as true men in daily life.

One of the attendees, Bonile Mpumelelo, said that the young men of today have been "left behind". Many were not taught by their fathers how to become strong men in their daily life and that is why so many become entangled in criminal activities.

He also shone the spotlight on the plight of men in certain instances, saying that there are cases when men are the victims and do not get the support they need. 

"On the topic of gender-based violence, men have been found dying because they are not protected by the law," he said. "In many divorce cases and court interdict matters, the men are having difficulty because the police are always reacting very strongly against the men. It's time for the men to come together and share their issues that really affect their daily lives at the men's corner."

More men's corner meetings will be held around the wards of Thembalethu. Residents will receive more information when the dates have been determined.

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