​“For us to live in a peaceful society, we need to respect each other and align our minds, body and soul to what is right.”
These were the words of the Research and Stakeholder Relations Chief Director, Bongani Ngomane who was addressing over ninety (90) people that attended the International Men’s Day celebration at the Lakes Hotel and Conference Centre in Benoni, Ekurhuleni last week Friday.

The celebration was held under the theme, “Better Relations Between Men and Women,” the event was aimed at promoting the positive role that men play in society, to celebrate men’s positive contribution to families, and to discuss men’s health and wellbeing.

“Today we want to denounce the hashtag #MenAreTrash, we want to say Men Are Not Trash. We must continue to celebrate good men, men who empower young boys through their decent actions, and men who sacrifice for their families,” said Ngomane.

Speaking on the relationship between mind, body and soul, Ngomane said “As men, we need to make sure that our minds are clean, think properly and fed minds with proper information.”

“If your mind is constantly exposed to what is negative, you will not be a good man. We see men that look good, but do not act good.

That is why I was shocked by the news we saw on social media where a guy from Soweto was found with body parts of a woman stored in a fridge. Apparently, he is a well-mannered man and a graduate from Wits University.”

“So, this shows that education alone, cannot build a character of a man,” he added.

A Psychologist, Bareng Motshwane spoke about ‘Men and Mental Wellness’. He said most men struggle in life because they do not have access to their children.

“Growing up, I hated my father because he didn’t want to pay maintenance. I hated my father because he abused me and my mother. Luckily, I forgave him before he died in May due to Covid-19. I did it for him and for my self-healing,” said Motshwane.

He added that the issue of access to children is very important, and that men must not give up on their children.

The International Men’s Day is celebrated annually on the 19 November and is observed in over 50 countries.

The day focuses on men, to reflect on the contributions, sacrifices and progress made by them, such as working together with women to make educational, economic, and social advances in society.