By Palesa Matlala
- Around 150 men attended the first Thetha Ndoda Empowerment and Healing Dialogue in Khayelitsha to speak openly about mental health and life challenges.
- Organiser Ayanda Ndamane said one man’s emotional story moved the room and helped others open up about their own struggles.
Men in Khayelitsha came together to speak honestly about pain, pressure and responsibility.
The first Thetha Ndoda Empowerment and Healing Dialogue was held in the area, creating a space where men could talk freely.
The event was organised by the Ayanda Ndamane Foundation.
Director Ayanda Ndamane said he was overwhelmed by the response.
The aim of the dialogue was to keep conversations going among men.
It focused on mental health, fatherhood, life challenges, positive masculinity, accountability, financial pressure and ending gender based violence.
Ndamane spent three months preparing for the event.
He hoped at least 100 men would attend.
Instead, about 150 men arrived.
“I was emotional but it was very successful. Initially, I wanted 100 men to attend, but we ended up with about 150,” said Ndamane.
He said the strong turnout showed that men want safe spaces where they can speak without fear of judgement.
One moment stood out for him.
“This guy even in stature is big, he’s tall but when he was so emotional and talking about personal things that happened to him and his family, I think that set the tone because everyone in the hall was a bit emotional,” said Ndamane.
He explained that men often feel pressure to appear strong at all times.
But he reminded them that they are human.
“Men always want to be strong and want to be seen as strong people and we are human beings and have challenges,” he said.
Although the event was a success, Ndamane said time was limited.
He felt there was not enough time to fully unpack all the topics they had planned to discuss.
Still, he believes the dialogue was a powerful start towards healing and building responsible men in the community.
Pictured above: Men gathered in Khayelitsha to speak about mental health and gender based violence.
Image source: Ayanda Ndamane
