16 Jun 2025

The inaugural Lobatla  La Borre conference afforded men a platform to share knowledge and focuses on solution-oriented to help curb the societal problems that threaten humanity.

The conference held in Lobatse on Saturday also marked Father’s Day celebrations.

The event coordinator of Lobatla La Borre Bonfire, Mpho Matshediso, announced the event’s successful. 

He said the event aimed to provide men a safe space to learn, engage, and discuss pivotal issues affecting them daily. 

  It was organised by Kgothatso Tsa Setswana, a platform that embraces humanity, and Boswelatlou Executive Suites, with the goal of fostering meaningful dialogue to eliminate social ills and instill confidence among men.

Matshediso expressed concern over lack of safe spaces for men to engage in discussions on diverse issues, including financial literacy, mental health, and family building. 

He noted that Lobatse has suffered from various social ills over time, prompting a fundamental question about whether men could rise to the occasion and contribute to reviving their community.

The coordinator emphasised their intention to rebuild the community through such meaningful dialogues, with plans to eventually include discussions for other societal groups such as women, the disabled, and youth, considering their unique needs.

Matshediso highlighted the current administration’s commitment to uplifting human rights, asserting that it was crucial to engage in discussions that educate the masses about their basic rights.  He noted that the conference specifically addressed both mental and physical health, underscoring that an individual’s overall well-being was essential for proper functioning in a society.

In line with Father’s Day celebrations, Matshediso reminded attendees that while men were often seen as providers, they too deserved recognition and appreciation. 

Events such as these, he said, served as a reminder that men were cherished and valued.

A volunteer from Roman Catholic Church Mothusi Pule praised the gathering and commended efforts aimed at empowering men today. 

He pointed out that many men struggled with denial and fear of being perceived as weak when expressing frustration. 

He referred to the global movement of the Roman Catholic Church, the Catholic Mental Health Ministry, which sought to create platforms for support and aid in fostering a sense of humanity.

Pule urged that society must shift its perception, emphasising that it was acceptable for men to express their emotions, as crying can facilitate healing and promote mental health.

One attendee, Robison Seitiso expressed gratitude for the conference, sharing insights gained about health issues ranging from dietary concerns to important topics such as prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction. 

He expressed hope for the continuation of such conferences, which he believed should provide more meaningful insights beneficial to men on a daily basis.

Seitiso further stressed the importance of publicising these conferences to encourage greater participation among men, ultimately contributing to the betterment of society and humanity as a whole. ENDS