Durban — Government officials held robust discussions with men and boys in KwaZulu-Natal’s Mandeni Municipality, to find out what were some of the challenges they faced on a daily basis.
The imbizo hosted by the King Cetshwayo District Municipality included guest speakers from the Stand Out Foundation, Community Policing Forum (CPF), religious and traditional leaders and officials from the Departments of Health and Education in the province. Ward 1 in Mandeni Municipality is patrolled by Gingindlovu SAPS.
The Stand Out Foundation was established in Empangeni to assist youth in need, especially impoverished and abused youth and those who are physically and mentally challenged.
Stand Out founder Zandile Mthimkhulu said these conversations were part of an important dialogue.
Studies found that men are often at the centre of criminal activity in the community.
Mthimkhulu said there was an alarming increase in crime in the area that included, assaults, house burglary and theft at schools. The dialogue also offered teenage and younger boys a platform to speak on crime and other social ills such as drug and alcohol abuse.
Mthimkhulu said that the organisation targets schools within communities with high violence rates. The SAPS in the district are seeking a spiritual or religious approach to combating crime, she said.
Mthimkhulu said the King Cetshwayo District SAPS commissioner Major-General Ngubane was concerned and decided to create an imbizo together with Stand Out.
“Together we played a pivotal role in planning and co-ordinating the event as well as educating men and boys on social crimes.”
Ngubane said men must stand up and fight against crime that is destroying communities.
“Men are the protectors not perpetrators, and they are providers not provokers, as we launch the spiritual crime prevention. We call on on all men young and old to stand up and take their position given by God and that is to protect,” he said.
Guest speakers also shared valuable information with the pupils on their sexual health, wellness and spirituality.
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Daily News