​A star-studded line up of legends had an opportunity to ponder thoughts on the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has on women and children, and on the social fabric of our society.
This came as the Gauteng Department of Social Development hosted the annual 365 Men of the Year Awards at Wits University in Johannesburg, last Friday, 17 November 2023.
Celebrated under the theme "Transforming South African Men", the awards acknowledged men who are doing remarkable work in communities to break the cycle of gender-based violence and other social ills in a bid to bring about positive change in South Africa.
This year marks 25 years since South Africa initiated the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign.
Addressing guests at the award ceremony, MEC for Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mbali Hlophe reiterated that the awards embodied resilience and dismantled the stigma attached to men.
"We are gathered here to celebrate and acknowledge good exemplary men. These are the men who lead by example, 365 days a year. There are too many men out there who do good in public but terrorise their families behind closed doors."
"So, when we celebrate days like these, we keep in mind the background of our current socio-economic status but also appreciate the reality that we live with," said MEC Hlophe.
MEC added that according to the South African Research Foundation, 4 out of 10 children come from a smaller or single-parent household. Eighty-five percent (85%) of children who have behavioural problems are from fatherless homes, 80% of individuals who are rapists and 90% of those who are homeless also come from fatherless homes.
South African poet and writer, Dr Wally Serote said the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) must support initiation schools for boys and young women. The Sophiatown born poet and writer was bestowed with a 365 Legendary Award.
He said, "With all the problems attached to initiation schools, they prove to be one of the solutions to curb GBV because children are taught at a younger age how to conduct themselves and to respect other human beings."
Archbishop Gladstone Botwana, founder of Zoe Bible Church with over 30 branches countrywide, was also honoured with a 365 Legendary Award.
He said, "We need to go back to the foundation and start from scratch. In my opinion, we need to go back to our grassroots and find out why God created a man. Let us also rejuvenate songs like Stimela Sase Zola – which teaches men how to behave towards their female counterparts".
Dr Mbongeni Ngema, a lyricist, composer, director, choreographer and theatre producer was also bestowed with a 365 Legendary Award.
He said, "Growing up we were taught to love abundantly. I was raised largely by my late grandmother, and I remember her teachings so well. She used to sit me down and tell me about the great Zulu warriors and how they fought impi yasesandlwana and other battles."
"She used to tell me that those were great men. Today, I am who I am because of her teachings," said Dr Ngema.
Kaizer Motaung Jr spoke about raising children with values. The glamour boy of Soweto received the 365 Legendary Award on behalf of his father, Dr Kaizer Motaung, the founder Kaizer Chiefs Football Club.
He said, "When you raise children with good values and morals, you are actually helping the society as a whole."
The awards honoured men who promote transformation in society and brought about change in the areas of Community Development, Education, Entrepreneurship, Health, Leadership, Science and Technology, Sports, Arts and Culture, Media, and Youth Development.