The founder of Inyathuko Community Project, Snqobile Mkwanazi, convened the mens` seminar under the theme “a man without a vision is a man with no direction’’ at Inanda (ohlange). The objective of the seminar was to groom the participants to strive for change in society. The community members came out in numbers to engage on the topic which speaks directly to how men should portray their characters and play positive roles in the community.

Snqobile addressed participants about character. “Character is determined by the behaviour, love will build the character and it is impossible to disseminate something you do not have therefore change has to start within men.” He said they need to convey positive actions which will influence younger generations. He went on to say that principles will serve as navigation toward what is good for the community, if males are in a standard to be called men they need to earn it. Men implements thoughts, they speak their minds, and serving the community is a norm to men said Snqobile.

Pastor Sipho Shezi from Ohlange, addressed the essence of a man and outlined that a male is born but a man is built, the man is the image of God. He said for a man to have vision, he needs to live under the supervision of God. He said in this century we have more males than men, large numbers of males are in jail because their thinking capacity contributed to actions that lead them to be imprisoned. He added for males to become men they need to know their values and virtues and set principles.

Care Works spokesperson Goodday Majola, who is a community mobiliser told men to use condoms or use birth control. He then encouraged men to go for circumcision, and he said using condom if you are circumcised will contribute to 100% safety. He said it is irresponsible to have sex without condom.

The key note speaker, Malusi Mahlaba shared his journey of growing up without a father. He said he had faced many overwhelming challenges with no one to mentor him. Mahlaba is a true example of from adversity comes success and against all odds, his situation drove him to become the founder of the Lindelani Youth Forum. He emphasised that the participants should play a man’s role in their families. He presented statistics that found 63% of youth that commit suicide are from fatherless homes and 71% of all high school dropouts grew up without a father. He said education is the key and men should play their part in making change. The stakeholders who contributed to the successful event were Development Youth Art and Empowerment Business, Africa Unite and Democracy Development Programme. All participants were given symbolic yellow ribbons. It’s hoped the ribbons will remind participants that they are no longer males but they are men. The ribbons should inspire them to drive change in society.