A workshop aimed at guiding young men was held at Sinako High School in Khayelitsha by University of the Western Cape social work student, Siphokazi Tyabule, a fortnight ago.
One of the keynote speakers, Dr Mawonga Celesi, a theologian and lecturer at Stellenbosch University, said in the old days, senior men in the community would hold imbizo where they would share values of what it meant to be a good man to the younger generation.
Dr Celesi said the absence of these gatherings has had a negative impact on society and the lives of young men in particular.
He applauded programmes such as the one at Sinako High as they provided guidance and taught responsibility.
He believes these programmes play a significant role in helping to bridge the gap between men and boys.
He encouraged young men to have dreams and aspirations.
“These days we have an issue of absent fathers and there is a gap between senior men and young men and boys. The question is how do we deal with fathers who are running away from their responsibility of looking after their children. No one can run away from his own blood but things such as the inability to maintain the child because the child is expensive does propel men to run away from their responsibilities. It is therefore for such a reason that we encourage young men and boys to make wise life choices. At the same time we have to be careful when we speak to these boys because some are leading their homes as there are no father figures at their homes. Some come from broken homes where violence has become a daily occurrence. We must also stop labelling our troublesome children amaphara which is a derogatory term,” he said.
Dr Celesi said societal expectations placed on men can be detrimental. He mentioned labels such as “men are the providers and protectors” and asked: “What happens when you lose your job and you are no longer able to provide? Does that mean you are less of a man?”
He said society must do away with these terms because whether one is working or not, they are still a leader and man.
He said he wanted these boys to know that they have value because they are human beings first and foremost.
Ms Tyabule said the aim of the workshop was to encourage young men to make a positive impact on the community.
He said he felt that he needed to call on older men to play an active role in ensuring that young boys receive proper guidance.
“It is refreshing to see such topics which allow boys to have a conversation without any fear of being judged. I felt good that the event was successful and I know one or two boys whose lives would change because of this workshop,” he said.
Grade 11 pupil Unaso Myekeni said he felt challenged during the workshop, which has left him with a different outlook on life.
He said while his parents have provided him with good guidance, he knows that making the correct choices is his responsibility.
