GEORGE NEWS - The first ever Men's Parliament assembly was attended by more than 300 men from various communities and organisations within the Garden Route district. The large group filled the Conville Community Hall last week Thursday, 5 December, to take part in discussions of "manhood".
The purpose of the assembly was to discuss programmes of the National Department of Social Development (DSD) that seek to change the course of gender-based violence faced by all South Africans.
The event was launched and presented by Deputy Minister of Social Development Hendrietta Ipeleng Bogopane-Zulu, in collaboration with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), the South African National Aids Council (Sanac) and Takuwani Riime* - an initiative that aims to consolidate all organisations, men's movements and individuals working with men in South Africa.
Bogopane-Zulu was warmly welcomed by GRDM Mayor, Memory Booysen. Attendees spoke about the issues men are faced with on a daily basis, using the rhetorical question "what is a man?" as a kick-off point for all related discussions that followed.
The programme was directed by the Speaker, Barend Groenewald.
Portfolio Councillor Rowan Spies spoke about how men must find a way to manage their egos and anger.
"We as men have to find a way to deal with our egos and anger, in order to gain self-respect."
Plans are in place to implement and extend the programme to the local municipalities in the Garden Route next year.
'Takuwani Riime' is a Venda expression meaning "let us stand up together".
More than 300 men from various communities and organisations within the Garden Route district filled the seats of Conville Community Hall in George to take part in the discussions of the Men’s Parliament.
Deputy Minister of social development Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu gives her keynote address at the assembly.
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