10 Dec 2023

The Sunday soccer men’s games have a great opportunity to make a positive impact on the next generation. 

Speaking at a one-day men’s conference organised by Kgalagadi Breweries Limited for 10 Sunday soccer teams in Francistown on Thursday, Francistown Deputy Mayor, Mr Lesego Kwambala said as role models for young people, men should use Sunday games to set an example of moral integrity and strong character building. 

Mr Kwambala explained that by addressing these issues, the games could make a real difference in the lives of young people. 

He said the one-day conference provided a chance for men to discuss important issues facing men in society, such as health and morality. 

The deputy mayor said the conference was a unique opportunity to create a better future for the next generation. 

Mr Kwambala further said standards set by the society for men put them under a lof pressure saying men were viewed as weak and inferior if they went through emotional breakdown. 

He further urged men to seek  help when they felt they were mentally challenged so that they could get help before things got out of control.

The deputy mayor indicated that drinking alcohol was not a solution to problems, but rather it worsened things. 

“It is important to face problems head-on and deal with them in a healthy and productive way because alcohol can be addictive and destructive,” said Mr Kwambala. 

He also advised men to support each other and have platforms to talk and express how they feel without fear of being judged as this can reduce cases of suicide and mental health. 

He further said it was also important to focus on grooming the boy-child well as they tends to imitate what parents do. 

For his part, Dr Boniface Rakanye, a general practitioner, said it was very important for men to prioritise their health above their finances. 

He said men did not make health a priority. 

Rather, he said they waited a pain signal before seeking medical attention. 

He also advised men that in every department of life, they needed mentors in order to achieve certain goals. 

He also advised men to take care of their mental health and ensure they go for check-ups to make sure their mental resilience was well. 

He further said substance abuse was very destructive as it was not a stress coping mechanism. 

For his part, Francistown businessman, Mr Carlos Sebina said it was very important for men to take financial responsibility and make sure they lived their lives within budget. 

He advised men to look into their wallets first before deciding on where to go, as this will help them to make wise financial decisions. 

Mr Sebina urged them not to compromise their budgets as by so doing could lead to financial crisis, adding that being mindful of spending was one of the key factors to being financially wise, which could enable them to save and prepare for the future. 

Addressing the role of men in society, Kgosi Pepukai Makambe of Monarch said every society had a way of perceiving life and the role of men in a civil environment such as to be leaders and providers. 

He stated that some men mistake masculinity to violence but their roles should be embedded in rendering peace and tranquility in society. 

Kgosi Makambe added that such abuse of leadership roles lead to issues of gender-based violence (GBV). 

He said men were not ordained to be abusers but a shield to lean on in times of trouble. 

Kgosi Makambe also advised men to seek help in order to deal with negative emotions instead of harbouring them. 

Earlier on when delivering welcome remarks, KBL Francistown sales manager, Mr Adolphus Mokokong said the conference was an opportunity for men to learn from one another. 

He added that issues of men empowerment were neglected adding that there was a need to empower men in different aspects of life. 

Mr Mokokong explained that the one-day conference should serve as a way to uplifting, empowering, supporting and leaving a everlasting impact on men’s life. 

He urged men to be the change they wanted to see in the society and engage in meaningful conversations that created a better world. ends