04 Sep 2025

In a heartening display of compassion, the Matamo Men Society Group recently took a stand against the silent suffering of men by bringing hope to two underprivileged families in Boyei Kgotla.

With a generous donation of toiletries, the group’s initiative goes beyond providing much-needed supplies, but restored dignity and sparked a conversation about the challenges men face today.

During the donation ceremony on Monday, Kgosi Moeti Moeti of Boyei Kgotla praised the group for their selfless actions.

“We usually hear of men in connection to abuse and violence, but today, we are witnessing a powerful shift of men giving back to the community,” he said.

Kgosi Moeti encouraged the group to continue their impactful work, saying such gestures left lasting impressions on the lives they touched.

Founded in 2019, the Matamo Men Society Group was born from a deep concern for the well-being of men.

The group coordinator, Mr Otukile Nyapetsi said initially, the group focused on helping men navigate destructive lifestyles and health issues.

“We noticed how men were spiralling, where some would recklessly share partners and others living with HIV did not adhere to medication schedules. That is when we decided to create a safe space for men’s healing,” Mr Nyapetsi said.

He added that over time, the group expanded its mission to address unspoken realities of male abuse and emotional trauma.

“Men too are abused, but most suffer in silence due to societal judgment. We offer them a space to speak freely, without shame or fear,” he said.

One community member, Ms Cecilia Aupiti said the reality of men as victims of abuse was often ignored. 

“Men fear being called weak, so they bottle up pain and when they finally lash out, we punish them without acknowledging that society failed them the first time they asked for help,” Ms Aupiti said.

She thus urged families to listen to and support boys and men and encouraged the society against shaming men for being vulnerable and instead provide them with the necessary support.

The event, which was attended by community leaders like Kgosi Gakemoeng Molaletsi of Seetso Kgotla, served as more than just a donation drive, but a space for open dialogue about men’s mental health, healing and community responsibility.

Kgosi Molaletsi emphasised the importance of dismantling deep-rooted cultural stereotypes that prevented men from expressing vulnerability, saying men too suffered as they faced abuse, emotional struggles and burdens that often went unspoken.

“It is time we offer them protection too and strive for peace and tranquillity in all our communities,” she said.

She thanked that the Matamo Men Society Group, saying their initiative was a powerful reminder that true strength was not about suppressing emotions but creating a supportive and understanding community.

“It is about empowering men to break free from the traditional mould and find the healing and support they deserve,” she said. ENDS