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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

Africa's Black Rhino conservation strategy must change

2017-07-10

The black rhino is on the brink of extinction. The study that was
published in the Nature Scientific Reports reveals that the
species has lost an astonishing 69% of its genetic variation.
Photo: iStock

The conservation strategy of the black rhino in Africa needs to change in order to protect the species from extinction, a group of international researchers has found. The study that was published in the Nature Scientific Reports reveals that the species has lost an astonishing 69% of its genetic variation.

South African researchers took part
The researchers, which included local researchers from the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa (NZG), have highlighted the fact that this means the black rhino is on the brink of extinction. "We have found that there is a decline in genetic diversity, with 44 of 64 genetic lineages no longer existing," said Prof Antoinette Kotze, the Manager of Research and Scientific Services at the Zoo in Pretoria. She is also affiliate Professor in the Department of Genetics at the University of the Free State and has been involved in rhino research in South Africa since the early 2000s.

DNA from museums and the wild
The study compared DNA from specimens in museums around the world, which originated in the different regions of Africa, to the DNA of live wild animals. The DNA was extracted from the skin of museum specimen and from tissue and faecal samples from animals in the wild. The research used the mitochondrial genome.

"The rhino poaching ‘pandemic’
needs to be defeated, because
it puts further strain on the genetic
diversity of the black rhino.”

Ability to adapt
Dr Desire Dalton, one of the collaborators in the paper and a senior researcher at the NZG, said the loss of genetic diversity may compromise the rhinos’ ability to adapt to climate change. The study further underlined that two distinct populations now exists on either side of the Zambezi River. Dr Dalton said these definite populations need to be managed separately in order to conserve their genetic diversity. The study found that although the data suggests that the future is bleak for the black rhinoceros, the researchers did identify populations of priority for conservation, which might offer a better chance of preventing the species from total extinction. However, it stressed that the rhino poaching ‘pandemic’ needs to be defeated, because it puts further strain on the genetic diversity of the black rhino.

Extinct in many African countries
The research report further said that black rhino had been hunted and poached to extinction in many parts of Africa, such as Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Sudan, and Ethiopia. These rhino are now only found in five African countries. They are Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Namibia, and South Africa, where the majority of the animals can be found.

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