Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on men’s societies and associations to break the cycle of violence in communities. He delivered the keynote address during day two of the biennial Men’s Parliament in Parrow, Cape Town.

The sitting was also used as a platform for the “Better Men for Tomorrow” campaign. The event is hosted by the Men’s Sector of the South African National AIDS Council, in partnership with the National Men’s Forum South Africa and various other stakeholders who work with men and young boys.

It is also aimed at mobilizing men to be champions of change against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

Mashatile says it will be up to men’s groups to break the cycle of violence.

“We must be committed and strengthen efforts to deal with scourge of violence in our communities. We must do this as a significant step to protect future generations and break the cycle of trauma and violence that characterized out society for decades,” says Mashatile.

Two young boys from the broader Cape Town area shared their challenges at the Men’s Parliament. 17-year-old Kyle Julius from Manenberg and 15-year-old Abonile Yantolo from Gugulethu spoke about their experiences.

“Lack of opportunities and absent parents has a profound impact on decisions and future prospects. Many youngsters seek love and affection from gangsters who abuse them. Consequences are devastating,” says Julius.

“I met many challenges, influenced by community and peers. Gugulethu is a very problematic area because young ones are focused on crime, gangsterism, alcohol, drugs and night life,” adds Yantolo.

Meanwhile, young boys, between the ages of 13 and 17, came out in their numbers to attended the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund’s Boy Joy Summit, and be part of solutions in a country that is grappling with Gender-based Violence. The summit aims to tackle the scourge of GBV through youth-led solutions.

Those who attended the event say they are willing to play a positive role in society by being the protectors and supporters of girls. They also want to play a role in bringing back the dignity and self-respect of men.

Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund’s Anzio Jacobs says society often paints all men as being perpetrators of violence against women and children, tainting their image.

Jacobs says the summit plays a crucial role in fighting the scourge against gender-based violence because they are grooming boys from a young age to become responsible and disciplined men.