Premier Zikalala was speaking today in Mbumbulu, south of Durban during the commemoration of International Men’s Day under the theme: “Better Relations Between Men and Women.”

The Premier said the provincial government was pleased to visit Mbumbulu on a constructive and peaceful mission as the area was once referred as the killing fields of KwaZulu-Natal because of the deadly faction fights and political violence that engulfed it many years ago.

“It is our earnest desire that we have men who are hungry for peaceful ways, respectable men who use amicable methods to solve pressing issues that face our families and societies. Our province and the country need men, who will be role models to boys, who will grow to respect, embrace and appreciate women and girls for who they are and not for what they can get from them. The underlying message is that we must work together in ensuring that the relationship between men and women reflect unity, collaboration, partnership and harmony,” said Premier Zikalala.

Premier Zikalala said men should discuss frankly with each other the challenges they face, explore their fears and anxieties, and pay attention to their dreams and aspirations.

“Men need other men and women too to be a shoulder to cry on. They are only human who also benefit from support and care from others. We need to do away with such myths that “men don’t cry”. We do not want to create a society of men who feel their voices do not matter, who think no one takes their concerns seriously. It is very important that men talk about issues that affect their mental, psychological and physical well-being so that they are solved before they worsen. Real men unite to do positive things that build and fortify them,” said the Premier.

Importantly, Premier Zikalala said it was never the culture in traditional Zulu society or many African societies to repress women and relegate their role to second class citizens.

“Our history teaches us that women were revered and even worshipped. Before the planting season, our ancestors did rituals to the goddess of fertility and agriculture. It is really shameful and a disgrace that today our mothers, our sisters, our daughters suffer in the hands of men and boys. Something has really gone wrong – this is not a society we can be proud of. On International Men’s Day, let us be the warriors that will be remembered to have restored the humanity and dignity of the beautiful and resilient women of our land. Please rise and be counted to in the fight against this scourge which is a blight on our hard-won freedom and democracy. It is our role as men to improve gender relations and promote gender equality in the workplace, in businesses, government, communities,” said Premier Zikalala.

Premier Zikalala also urged amabutho to be exemplary to young boys by teaching them the true values, characters and responsibilities of being trustworthy men.

“We are aware of the challenges facing amabutho eSilo. This year has dealt many painful blows on our regiments. The first brutal blow to amabutho and the Zulu nation as a whole was delivered on March 12 this year, the day the Zulu nation lost His Majesty, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, uMdlokombane, uBhejane phum’ esiqiwini kade bekulindele. Our King’s departure was soon followed by the untimely passing of Her Majesty Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu, in April. As if that was not enough, amabutho recently lost the Zulu nation’s regiment leader, uMdidiyeli uMgiliji Zihogo Nhleko, who was laid to rest on Saturday last week. Once again, we send our heartfelt condolences to you Mabutho eSilo and the entire nation on your loss and we are hopeful that these series of bereavement will not distract you from being of service to the nation which needs your services more than before. We appeal to you to remain steadfast. Amabutho are a bedrock and strength of the Zulu nation as the whole nation rely on their defence in times of war. As we confront this devastating war in the form of gender-based violence and femicide, we rely on amabutho’s guidance, war tactics, discipline and determination to win the war against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide,” concluded Premier Zikalala.

The Premier was joined by the MEC of Social Development Nonhlanhla Khoza, Member of the Provincial Legislature Bishop Vusi Dube, traditional leadership, religious leaders and amabutho as government continues to wage a relentless campaign to turn the tide against violence directed at women and children, homophobia and hate crimes.

Ends

Issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government