WATCH | Men urged to reclaim role as protectors at Men’s Indaba

Men have been challenged to reclaim their role as protectors of families and communities, with leaders warning that the fight against gender-based violence, social decay and the breakdown of family structures require year-round action rather than symbolic campaigns.

The call was made during the 2026 uMgungundlovu District Men’s Indaba held at Project Gateway in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday, where hundreds of men from across the district gathered under the theme “Empowering Men to be Leaders, Carers and Protectors” as part of Men’s Month commemorations.

The indaba brought together men from across the uMgungundlovu District, alongside representatives from several men’s organisations, including Inkunzi Isematholeni, traditional leaders, government officials and community stakeholders.

Discussions centred on fatherhood, mental health, youth mentorship, positive masculinity and the responsibility of men in strengthening families and building safer communities.

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Delivering the keynote address, uMgungundlovu District Municipality Mayor Mzi Zuma said men needed to return to the values of responsible leadership and accountability in society.

Men must go back to the drawing board and become protectors of their households.

“We must ensure that we protect vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, and restore the dignity of our families and communities,” said Zuma.

He said communities would only begin to overcome crime, violence and other social challenges when men took responsibility for creating safe homes and becoming positive role models for younger generations.

Echoing the mayor’s sentiments, Richmond Municipality Mayor Melikhaya Ngcongo said a number of programmes had been introduced to support and empower men.

He encouraged men to actively participate in these initiatives, saying they were designed to strengthen families, promote responsible fatherhood and equip men with the skills needed to contribute positively to their communities.

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Men’s organisation Inkunzi Isematholeni also called for greater investment in programmes that support men’s wellbeing throughout the year.

Speaking to The Witness, the organisation’s director, Nkululeko Nyathi, said Men’s Month should not be reduced to an annual commemoration but should be used as a catalyst for sustained action to address the many challenges facing men.

Men’s Month is not only a month to reflect on issues affecting men, but a time to strongly address the social ills and health-related challenges that men encounter in society.

“Men’s health plays a pivotal role in keeping homes alive and healthy,” said Nyathi.

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He said initiatives focusing on men’s mental health, responsible fatherhood and gender-based violence should continue long after July.

“It is important that programmes highlighted this month become ongoing programmes throughout the year aimed at addressing gender-based violence and femicide, while also tackling other social ills affecting men in society,” he said.