Akasosha Men’s Forum helps break the silence

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A visit by the forum at the old Block JJ clinic

Akasosha Men’s Forum stands for the breakage of silence among troubled men and as hope for a better life of many young and older men around the community. Men are labelled as strong, but they also face the challenge of not having people to talk to about their everyday struggles.

The multicultural Non-Profit Organisation based in Block GG is supported by the Department of Social Development and the South African Men’s Organisation, has committed itself to be the support of many men suffering from a number of challenging issues.

Akasosha Men’s Forum helps by providing life coaching, training, mentorship, counselling, substance, domestic and gender based violence.

Thomas Khumalo, the founder of Akasosha Men’s Forum, found himself in a very difficult position at one point in life to an extent of considering committing suicide twice. The idea to start a men’s organisation came from his personal encounters.

“As a man, I had social challenges economically and with my marriage. I had no one to confide in, that led me into attempting to commit suicide,” Mr Khumalo said.

He said he was always blamed for every problem and realised that men are often labelled as perpetrators of violence but when they need help, no one cares.

“It’s hellish if you lose a job and get emotionally abused by your own wife as a man and you have to man up,” he said.

The organisation has a door to door initiative done by the organisation’s volunteer workers to raise awareness to men around Soshanguve.

Another volunteer at the organisation, Lutendo Munyai, said they support men from all walks of life. “We visit a lot of men who feel uncomfortable speaking to female social workers, so they would call us for counselling and we are able to reach out where they need us.”

He said the response by the community has been positive, men and women are coming for support groups and counselling including family counselling.

Kagiso Mohlala, a female facilitator for the organisation said she found out about the organisation when the facilitators came to her through the door-to-door visits.

“Being part of this Forum has helped me gain confidence as a woman and to believe that women and men can be equals. Sometimes men get offended when they get a visit from us females because it is mainly about men,” Ms Mohlala said.

She added that men and women must work together in order to achieve greater results.
The organisation also offers Arts and Culture activities for the youth. Emmanuel Mashigo, Co-ordinator for Arts said the activities were created to tell different stories through Poetry, Drama and Dance.

Akasosha has achieved its social responsibility for the community of Soshanguve and is continuing to be one of the very few men’s support organisations.