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Men’s conference 2024: Combating loneliness with connection

01 October 2024 | Story Zinzi Zumana | Photo Supplied

Male Lekgotla 2024 — The UFS Annual MaskUnity Men’s Conference 2024.

The University of the Free State (UFS) and its partners recently hosted the second Annual MaskUnity Men's Conference in the Callie Human Centre on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus, following the success of the 2023 event. The conference encouraged men to be open about their internal struggles; the primary aim was to address the complicated challenges men face today, including gender-based violence, low uptake of health-care services, substance abuse, HIV/Aids, and mental health issues. The two-day event targeted men from the UFS, Central University of Technology (CUT), Sol Plaatje University (SPU), Walter Sisulu University (WSU), and TVET colleges – Flavius Mareka, Maluti, and Motheo. The goal was to raise awareness and promote positive development through dialogue, education, and behaviour modification.

One of the conference’s key sessions focused on understanding and managing anger – a common yet often misunderstood issue among men. Tobias van den Berg, a counselling psychologist, provided in-depth insights into the psychological and social factors that contributed to anger and offered practical strategies for emotional regulation and constructive expression. This session resonated deeply with many attendees, highlighting the importance of addressing anger in a healthy and proactive manner.

Another crucial topic discussed was loneliness, which is often overlooked in discussions about men’s mental health. Aubrey Moloto, a registered counsellor from SCD Qwaqwa, emphasised the significance of building meaningful relationships and support networks to combat isolation. He underscored the need for men to seek out and cultivate connections that foster a sense of community and belonging.

The conference also featured personal testimonials from attendees, illustrating the profound impact of the discussions. Andile Xhakaza, a student from the UFS, shared how the conference reshaped his understanding of manhood. He expressed a commitment to applying the lessons learned – particularly those related to gender-based violence, responsible manhood, and anger management – in his daily life. Xhakaza’s story reflected the broader impact that the conference aimed to achieve, namely, to foster respect, healthy relationships, and mental well-being among men.

Addressing substance abuse and promoting healthy living

Substance abuse – a critical issue affecting young men – was addressed by Ogaisitse Diseko, who highlighted the negative effects of drug use on both personal health and societal well-being. Diseko’s presentation provided attendees with essential information about the dangers of addiction and offered resources for those seeking help. This session reinforced the importance of making informed, healthier lifestyle choices.

The Honourable Monyatso Mahlatsi, MEC of Health in the Free State, also spoke at the event, advising men to prioritise their health by visiting clinics regularly. He emphasised the importance of overcoming the stigma often associated with seeking health care, urging men to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other health issues.

Promoting safe and respectful relationships

Siyanda Magayana – Senior Officer in the Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office – led a crucial discussion on practising safe sex. Magayana stressed the importance of consent, protection, and mutual respect in sexual relationships as foundational elements of both physical health and emotional well-being. This dialogue aimed to empower men to engage in healthier, more respectful relationships.

A call for continued dialogue and wellness programmes

The conference also served as a platform for participants to voice their thoughts on improving future events. Akhumzi Khambula from WSU’s Mthatha Campus suggested the inclusion of more interactive sessions where men could engage in open dialogues. He also advocated for the implementation of more active wellness programmes within universities, encouraging male students to participate as a means of combating loneliness and fostering a supportive environment.

Mental health and stress management

Recognising the critical importance of mental health, the conference dedicated several sessions to stress management and mental well-being. Students were equipped with practical coping strategies to handle stress effectively, emphasising the need to prioritise mental health in the fast-paced environment of higher education. The event concluded with a powerful call to action, urging all attendees to continue striving for self-improvement and active community engagement.

The UFS Annual MaskUnity Men’s Conference 2024 was more than just an event – it was a movement towards redefining manhood in a way that embraces vulnerability, encourages open dialogue, and promotes holistic well-being. As attendee Tshepo Keokoane from CUT properly put it, “It’s okay for a man to cry – it does not symbolise weakness.” This statement captures the conference’s key message: true strength lies in the ability to express emotions, seek help, and support one another in the journey towards becoming better men.

The conference ended on a note of optimism, with participants leaving empowered to make positive changes in their lives and communities. The UFS, alongside its partners, succeeded in creating a space where men could come together, learn, and grow – laying the groundwork for a more empathetic and responsible generation of men.

News Archive

Graduates encouraged to use their knowledge to the benefit of SA

2017-06-28

Description: Graduation read more photo 27 June 2017 Tags: Graduation read more photo 27 June 2017

On 26 June 2017, the last day of its mid-year graduation
ceremonies, the University of the Free State conferred
388 master’s and 72 doctoral degrees.
Photo: Charl Devenish

You have the knowledge, which is a big resource, and should use it to the benefit of South Africa. This was the overwhelming message to graduates obtaining their master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of the Free State (UFS).

Their responsibility was emphasised by the likes of Justice Mahube Molemela during the ceremonies in the Callie Human Centre at the Bloemfontein Campus on 26 June 2017. Justice Molemela, Judge President of the Free State Division of the High Court and Acting Justice of the Supreme Court of South Africa, was the guest speaker at the morning and afternoon ceremonies.

The UFS conferred 388 master’s and 72 doctoral degrees on the final day of its mid-year graduation ceremonies, which was the biggest set of ceremonies in the university’s history. The doctorates came from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (30), Faculty of the Humanities (15), Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (9), Faculty of Education (8), Faculty of Health Sciences (5), and Faculty of Theology (5). A total of 5 258 degrees were conferred over six days from 19 to 26 June 2017.

Future dependant on youth
Justice Molemela said the master’s and doctoral graduates have the skills to make a difference. “The future of a nation is largely dependent on its youth playing a meaningful role in creating a strong economy, culminating in a good standard of living for everyone.”

She said they should plough back into their communities and give opportunities to others. “I am certain that if each one of you thinks innovatively in your respective fields, you will find solutions which will eradicate poverty, improve service delivery, and hence our education will advance gender equity, and promote public participation.”

Dr Khotso Mokhele, UFS Chancellor, said these graduates have every reason to hold their heads high, their shoulders square, and walk with a bit of an attitude, as they have distinguished themselves.

Generation of new knowledge
According to Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, the UFS strives to be a university that is research led. “For me, one of the important aspects about universities which set them apart from other training and vocational institutions is the generation of new knowledge,” he said at a lunch function for PhD graduates on 26 June 2017. He feels it is critically important for them to make a contribution to the country.

Dipiloane Phutsisi, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of the Motheo TVET College in the Free State, also emphasised this. Phutsisi was the guest speaker on 23 June 2017. “Your courage and eagerness to face the future and tell the truth in the midst of this confusion, is highly desired by South Africans.”

Justice Ian van der Merwe, Judge of Appeal at the Supreme Court of Appeal and former Chair of the UFS Council, was the guest speaker at the ceremonies on 22 June 2017. He encouraged graduates from a chapter in the book War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy.

“There is no greatness where there is not simplicity, goodness, and truth (according to Tolstoy). Or maybe more modernly translated: There is no greatness where simplicity, goodness, and truth are absent.”

Click here to see a list of Deans’ and Senate medals awarded.

Graduations ceremonies:

19 June 2017:

Faculty of Education, except educational qualifications in Open and Distance Learning – South Campus
Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Theology, and Faculty of Law (including the School of Financial Planning Law)

“Every one of us, is destined for greatness. In the words of Dr Martin Luther King: Everyone has the power for greatness, not for fame but greatness, because greatness is determined by service.” – Dipiloane Phutsisi (Guest speaker and Principal and Chief Executive Officer of the Motheo TVET College in the Free State)

Photo Gallery
Livestream Footage (morning session)
Livestream Footage (afternoon session)

Photo: Charl Devenish

20 June 2017:

Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences: All Bachelor’s degrees
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences: All Diplomas and Bachelor Honours degrees

“Graduation marks a start of a new and wonderful journey. During the last couple of years you have not only developed your intellect, but also expanded what I call your social self,” - Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor

Speech: Prof Francis Petersen (morning)
Speech: Prof Francis Petersen (afternoon)
Photo Gallery
Livestream Footage (morning session)
Livestream Footage (afternoon session)

Photo: Charl Devenish

21 June 2017:

Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences: All certificates, diplomas, Bachelor’s degrees, and Bachelor Honours degrees, excluding BCom degrees
Faculty of the Humanities: Social Sciences and Communication Sciences only

“Graduation is one of the most accomplished achievements one can ever experience.” – Justice Connie Mocumie (Guest speaker and Judge of Appeal at the Supreme Court of Appeal)

Photo Gallery
Livestream Footage (morning session)
Livestream Footage (afternoon session)

Photo: Charl Devenish

22 June 2017:

Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences: BCom degrees only
Faculty of the Humanities: All qualifications, except Social Sciences and Communication Sciences

“The question is not if you will make mistakes, but how do you deal with your mistakes? Do you admit them, do you learn from them, and do you grow as a person?” – Justice Ian van der Merwe (Guest speaker and Judge of Appeal at the Supreme Court of Appeal)

Photo Gallery
Livestream Footage (morning session)
Livestream Footage (afternoon session)

Photo: Johan Roux

23 June 2017:

Educational qualifications in Open and Distance Learning – South Campus

“Class of 2017, go and make your own unique contributions but remember to look into your own heart. South Africa needs your skills, your innovation, knowledge, your expertise and creativity.” – Dipiloane Phutsisi (Guest speaker and Principal and Chief Executive Officer of the Motheo TVET College in the Free State)

Photo Gallery
Livestream Footage (afternoon session)

Photo: Charl Devenish

26 June 2017:

All faculties: master’s and doctoral degrees

“Class of 2016/2017 graduates: You are critical thinkers, you can analyze, you can think independently. That is why you managed to successfully complete postgraduate degrees and diplomas.” – Justice Mahube Molemela (Judge President of the Free State Division of the High Court and Acting Justice of the Supreme Court of South Africa)

Photo Gallery
Livestream Footage (morning session)
Livestream Footage (afternoon session)

Photo: Charl Devenish

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