The City of Johannesburg officially launched the District Men’s Parliament on Monday, 18 November 2024, at the Conny Bapela Council Chambers in Braamfontein.

Known as “Takuwani Riime”—a Tshivenda phrase meaning “Let Us Stand Up Together”—this initiative calls on men across all sectors of society to unite as active partners in fostering community safety, promoting public health, and advancing socio-economic progress.

The event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from provincial government, the SAPS, traditional leaders, and civil society forums from the City’s seven regions. Each region presented detailed reports on their activities, achievements, and challenges.

Acting Executive Mayor and MMC for Health and Social Development, Councillor Ennie Makhafola, underscored the significance of the Men’s Parliament. She remarked:

“The Men’s Parliament will not only denounce gender-based violence but also serve as a well-coordinated and dynamic civil society movement equipped to prevent and address issues impacting our communities.”

Cllr Makhafola outlined several key City initiatives designed to combat gender-based violence (GBV), including:

• Training and Capacity Development Programmes to empower communities.
• The GBV Advisory Committee, offering strategic guidance.
• The Ithemba Crisis Line, a support system to mitigate the psychological impact of GBV.
• Establishing shelters for victims of GBV, rape, and child abuse.

She encouraged attendees to utilise these services to create safer, healthier communities.

Fraser Thabethe, chairperson of the Human Rights sector in Region F, highlighted progress from the Adopt-a-Gogo programme. This initiative assists elderly residents and indigents with accessing the City’s Expanded Social Package, while also delivering food from City Deep, encouraging healthy living through exercise and sewing activities, and offering essential community support. However, Thabethe noted that budget constraints currently limit the programme’s outreach.

Beloved Manasidze from ANOVA introduced the Health4Men (Power to the Future) programme, which provides adolescent boys and young men with access to youth-friendly healthcare services at Anova’s Adolescent and Men’s Clinics. These clinics offer safe spaces for health and wellness discussions, with a focus on HIV prevention and promoting gender equality.

Throughout the event, political and administrative leaders shared strategies to enhance men’s health, prevent HIV, and tackle GBV. The launch aimed to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge to create a meaningful impact within their communities.

The District Men’s Parliament represents a critical step in redefining the role of men as agents of positive change. It provides a platform to reflect on achievements in promoting gender equality while identifying actionable strategies for future progress.

By harnessing collective effort and fostering leadership among men, the City is setting the stage for transformative social development.

Written by Thami Dhladhla
19/11/2024

X: @CityofJoburgZA
Facebook: City of Joburg
Instagram: @CityofJoburg
TikTok: @CityofJoburg
LinkedIn: City of Johannesburg
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CityOfJoburgZA/videos
Joburg Pulse Radio: https://s3.radio.co/s349cd1429/listen