Phola– To embrace Women’s Month, a group of men gathered last Saturday at Phola Roman Catholic Church to break the silence around men’s mental health and its direct link to gender-based violence (GBV).
“We are here not only to talk but to start tracing the roots of violence in men — where it begins and how it ends,” said pastor Themba Mnguni, the founder of Man of Truth. “Our silence is part of the problem. We need to fix our minds to stop hurting the very people we love.”
The event, held on 02 August under the theme “Mental Health, Healing Men to Protect Women“, emphasised that a lot of men struggle to express their emotions or seek help, often internalising anger that later manifests as violence, especially against women and children.
The programme challenged societal norms that label men as emotionally invulnerable, and instead called for healing, accountability and transformation.
Pastor Tebogo Senamela from the Roots of Rage- Healing the Boy Child said fellow men must be accountable, urging them to turn to faith, therapy and honest self-reflection as tools for healing. “We cannot speak of loving women while we harm them emotionally, mentally or physically.”
Blue Mining Service’s representative, Elie Matji, delivered a powerful speech on women empowerment in the mining sector. “This Women’s Month, we proudly applaud the remarkable women in mining who continue to break barriers, defy stereotypes and lead with strength and excellence in one of the toughest industries. We celebrate their courage and commitment.”
Matji also called on companies to hire, train and promote more women while addressing the toxic masculinity that makes some men feel threatened by female leadership.
He also linked economic empowerment to mental health. “Men often suffer in silence because they tie their worth to money or status. But if we all uplift each other, especially women, we also uplift ourselves.”
Ndabezitha Sipho Mahlangu from the Royal House reflected on the important role that fathers play in boy children. “A boy who grows up without love, who never sees his father treat a woman with respect, becomes a man who doesn’t know how to love. Anger doesn’t just appear. It grows over time in homes where boys are told not to cry, not to feel, not to speak.”
These boys, who later become men, are expected to lead families, communities and relationships while carrying unhealed trauma.
Sargent Sipho Ntuli from Phola SAPS said, “In most GBV cases, it’s us men. We must stop hiding behind excuses and start doing the work.”
Daisy Shabangu, the Catholic Mental Health Ministry coordinator in Witbank, delivered a simple yet poignant message to those in attendance. “Men love women. Submit to their wellbeing. Fix your mind. It’s very easy to win a woman’s heart, just tell her you love her every day, even if you have no money.”
