DEPUTY President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) chairman, officially launched the 2023-2025 Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement Programme of Action.
The launch took place in Masia Village outside Thohoyandou, Limpopo on Sunday, 19 November under the theme: “Term of Community Men’s Parliaments.”
This was during the third National Men’s Parliament, which brings together leaders from across all spectrums of society.
“Takuwani Riime” is a Tshivenda expression meaning: “Let us stand up together”, a clarion call for all men to stand up and be counted as meaningful organised partners in the advancement of community safety, health and socio-economic development across the country.
Mashatile said the programme represents a pivotal milestone in the Men’s Parliament's efforts to address the scourge of violence against women and advance socio-economic development and promote men’s health with a special focus on the prevention of HIV/AIDS.
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“This programme cannot fail. We will succeed if we are determined and work together. Takuwani Riime is a call for us as men to stand united in responding to the multiple gendered challenges that exist in our society,” he said.
He said it is important that they understand violence against women as a global phenomenon and also appreciate, through concerted efforts, that they can bring an end to this scourge.
“We know that gender-based violence (GBV) has a negative impact on the socio-economic status not only of women and girls but on men as well. Ending this scourge is therefore urgent and critical for our development as South Africa and Africa,” he said.
The programme aims to address some of the social ills that exist and are perpetuated by patriarchy in communities.
Dr Tirhani Manganyi of GBVF Response Fund said they rally behind the programme. “Let’s make sure we don’t leave behind the women’s agenda. Let’s make this become an intergenerational agenda and let’s drive down the level of GBV,” she said.
Deputy health minister, Sibongiseni Dhlomo said: “We come and go as government leaders but programmes like this must remain. We respect traditional leaders, faith-based organisations and civil society because they carry us forward."
Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha said they support the programme as it will help the province fight GBV.
