GROBLERSDAL – The Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) Men and Boys Parliament, chaired by SDM Council Speaker Cllr Kgwediyebotse Chego, was convened on Friday 14 November 2025 to address pressing issues affecting men and boys in communities.
The annual event, hosted by the National AIDS Council Men’s Sector, brought together stakeholders to discuss key challenges, including gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), mentoring, and the evolving role of men in society.
The Parliament of South Africa provides this platform for men to engage openly on matters influencing their social and personal wellbeing.
This year’s session emphasized the need for continued dialogue and collective action to address GBVF and promote positive masculinity.
Participating structures included the District AIDS Council, chaired by SDM Executive Mayor Cllr Minah Bahula, sector departments and local municipalities.
The event covered critical topics, including Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), discussing ways to combat the scourge and promote healthy relationships, and mentoring and raising boy children, by exploring strategies to support boys’ development and well-being.
Other issues discussed in the session were in relation to evolve definition and role of men through examining the changing expectations and responsibilities of a male person in the society.
Executive Mayor Bahula delivered a keynote address, highlighting the alarming GBVF statistics in Sekhukhune District.
“GBVF is a serious concern in our country. We attend court cases daily, many involving male perpetrators in the district. The situation is deeply troubling,” she said, urging men to engage in honest conversations to address these challenges.
She stressed that the moral fibre of society is deteriorating as a result of these challenges.
The event was part of a broader effort to address social challenges, including the Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement, which seeks to institutionalize a responsive men’s movement and promote community engagement.