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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

Trauma, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation Studies attracts global attention
2016-06-27

Description: Lerato Machetela  Tags: Lerato Machetela

Lerato Machetela is on her way to
Ghent University in Belgium where
she will spend 10 months working
alongside experts in the field of
historical trauma.
Photo: Eugene Seegers

Research excellence is one of the major driving forces at the core of the University of the Free State (UFS). This striving for academic distinction has found embodiment within Trauma, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation (TFR) Studies. Headed by Research Fellow and Senior Research Professor Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, the research unit is raking in achievements consistently.

Cornell University Distinguished African Scholar Award
Leading by example, Prof Gobodo-Madikizela received the prestigious 2016 Distinguished African Scholar Award from Cornell University recently. Being honoured with this award affirms an unusual depth of knowledge and experience in a field related to the recipient’s own work. Through this award, Prof Gobodo-Madikizela is now also affiliated with the Institute for African Development and the Psychology Department at Cornell University.

Ghent University fellowship in historical trauma
Another member of TFR has caught international attention. Lerato Machetela – a PhD student at the research unit – received an invitation from scholars at Ghent University in Belgium. Machetela will leave in September, where she will spend ten months in Ghent with experts in the field of historical trauma. She will be affiliated to their university’s Cultural Memory Studies Initiative and the Psychology Department. When Machetela submitted her PhD proposal on transgenerational transmisison of trauma among the youth in Jagersfontein to the UFS Psychology Department panel, “it was hailed as a unique project, and a first for the department,” Prof Gobodo-Madikizela says.

Description: Naleli Morojele Tags: Naleli Morojele

Naleli Morojele conducting the research
in Rwanda that has formed the basis of
her new book, Women Political Leaders
in Rwanda and South Africa: Narratives
of Triumph and Loss.

Book explores triumph and loss of female political leaders
TFR cultivates thriving authors actively, the latest being Naleli Morojele, who is pursuing a PhD in the field of Political Studies. Soon, Morojele will be launching her book, Women Political Leaders in Rwanda and South Africa: Narratives of Triumph and Loss. Through the stories of significant female Rwandan and South African leaders, the reader gains insight into these women’s early-life experiences, struggles, and successes. Perhaps even more pertinently, Morojele’s book also exposes the ways in which gender inequality still works to smother their roles as citizens and politicians.

 

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