MEN URGED TO PRIORITISE THEIR WELLBEING AND RECLAIM THEIR ROLE IN SOCIETY

KLERKSDORP – Men have been urged to prioritise their physical and mental wellbeing, embrace their responsibilities as family leaders and become positive role models in their communities.

The call was made during the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management’s Departmental Men’s Dialogue held in Klerksdorp on Friday, 24 July 2026.

The dialogue brought together male employees from the Department, including officials from the Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Bojanala Districts, to engage on issues affecting men and promote their empowerment and wellbeing in the workplace.

Opening the programme, the Department’s Chaplain, Mr M.H. Mothabeng, encouraged men to rise to their responsibilities as fathers, family representatives and leaders in their homes and communities.

Drawing from Bible scriptures of the day, Chaplain Mothabeng urged men to be prayerful and actively embrace their role in building strong families and communities.

The dialogue also focused on gender equality, diversity and creating an environment where men can openly discuss challenges affecting them.

Ms Kearabetswe Lephoi, Assistant Director for Gender Focal Point and Diversity Management said the directorate is committed to ensuring that the needs of both men and women are recognised and addressed.

“Our role as Gender Focal Point and Diversity Management is to ensure that both men and women are catered for in terms of the challenges they face. We want to create a safe space for men in the Department,” said Lephoi.
She added that the directorate recognises that people experience challenges differently and therefore require different forms of support. She also emphasised the importance of promoting equal opportunities and representation, including the inclusion of people living with disabilities.

A key theme of the dialogue was men’s mental and physical health. Participants were encouraged to break the stigma surrounding mental health and to seek professional assistance when experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties.

Dr T.R. Maruping, Director of Health at Tshepong Complex, urged men to normalise conversations about mental health and to make use of healthy coping mechanisms and therapeutic interventions to manage stress and prevent burnout.

Speakers also raised concerns about the reluctance of some men to seek medical attention and encouraged participants to be more open and honest about their health concerns.

Dr James Tsolela, an ambassador for Fathers Matter, encouraged men to embrace personal growth and transformation. He emphasised the importance of renewing the mind and remaining open to positive change.

Leading the dialogue was Mr Bapaletswe Diphoko, Treasurer of the National Leadership Men’s Sector, who supports programmes dealing with issues affecting men and boys, including Fathers Matter.

Diphoko challenged men to reposition themselves and reclaim their positive role in society. He said strong families require healthy leadership structures and called on men to develop the vision and character needed to influence their families and communities positively.
“Fathers are leaders, but families cannot exist without a healthy leadership structure,” said Diphoko.

He further challenged men to look beyond their individual circumstances and consider the legacy they are creating for future generations.
“It is important to cultivate and protect your generational seed because, as a man, you are not living a good life only for yourself, but for your bloodline,” he said.

The programme was directed by Mr K. Mothosola and Mr M Senoge from Employee Health and Wellness.
In attendance were male officials from different districts senior managers Chief Director Mr Patrick Mohono, ICT Director Mr Dumisani Mogorosi and Head of Communication Services Mr Oshebeng Koonyaditse.
Speakers who graced the event was Dr P.R. Simon, Ms Ayanda Gomez from Medicare Clinic in Klerksdorp, and Dr T.R. Maruping. Health sectors were also part of the agenda as they were providing vital and health screenings.

The Departmental Men’s Dialogue reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to the holistic wellbeing of its employees and highlighted the importance of creating supportive spaces where men can openly address challenges, seek help and grow into responsible leaders within their families, workplaces and communities.