21 Nov 2016

The Assistant Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Cultural Development, Mr Kefentse Mzwinila, says government has endorsed the commemoration of International Men’s Day because men must be recognised as  pillars of the their families as well as the nation.

Mr Mzwinila was speaking during the International Men's Day commemoration in Manyana on Friday.

The gender affairs department led different partners and stakeholders in planning and hosting the commemoration under the theme: Talk About Male Suicide'.

The day gave men an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and contributions to community, family, marriage and child care.

Mr  Mzwinila  said men should make sound decisions regarding their health and wellness, adding that men’s sector committees were  formed to keep boys safe so they could become tomorrow's role models.

The objectives of International Men's Day include to focus on men's and boys' health, improving gender relations, gender equality and highlighting positive male models.

Also by keeping men and boys safe by tackling suicides, the Assistant Minister said the government is committed on spearheading issues of gender and development.

He encouraged all men in Botswana to take pride in their day and use it as a platform to show the whole country that indeed they were responsible citizens who can contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.

He said the country is concerned about the committing of suicides by men and boys and scaring to visit the health institutions when they are sick.

He said men are known for protecting the family and making a living for their wives and children. He said Batswana are known with their Botho, respect, love and conserving their culture, encouraging them to keep that spirit.

Kgosi Kebinatshwene Mosielele said men used to construct schools and dams through regiments.

He said mephato were made by men who developed the tribe.

However, Kgosi Mosielele decried that nowadays the country was experiencing passion killings and robbery caused by men and boys. BOPA