All roads led to the South African state theatre on the 6th of November 2020. Men from different backgrounds came together to hear a message from “broken jars”. Broken jars that came together to fight against the heart wrenching problem our country is facing of gender-based violence. It was very important to note that the vision and the mission was to educate men who, in this case, were the broken jars but as well as surrender the problem to God. The room was filled with speakers of note such as Inkosi Sipho Mahlangu, Kaizer Motaung JR, Advocate Mthokozisi Xulu and Dr. Somadoda Fikeni.
Every vison before manifested had a visionary behind it and this one was not short of one. Sir Bafana Nhlapo who is the founder and also happened to be the MC of the event pours out his heart and shares what made him start this conference. His upbringing and being raised by a single parent definitely had an influence on his yearning to educate other men. “I struggled with certain issues in my life and could not wait to get my healing so I can transfer it to other men”, he passionately says. When planning the event, he made sure to pick men from different sectors. By doing this, different men would be represented and different sectors would be influenced as well. We know that gender-based violence is something that can be experienced anywhere and at any time, even in the workplace. “It is taking men who are leading in those sectors to be a voice so other men in those sectors can start to speak and do something about it”, he says. What he aims to achieve through this conference is that an army of men can come together to get educated, pray against gender-based violence and doing all this with God in their forefront
Among the speakers Kaizer Motaung JR, graced the stage and had a piece of his heart to share. According to him, this ministry came at a correct time in his life. He expresses that it is one thing to talk about gender-based violence, but the words are invalid if they are not accompanied by action therefore his wish is to see more events like this in our country. “I think that is the most fundamental point. Our strength comes from Him and by being touched by His love we are able to make the change that we need. Without Him here, this is nothing and with His word being in the forefront, that’s our guiding light”.
All aspects of the event were planned to a T which means that the music was definitely on point. The music was directed and conducted by Khulekani Mndawe and the stage carried a group of seasoned dynamic artists who made sure the room was filled with melodies that would heal a broken jar, and convince him to put his pieces together. Collin Damans was among the artists featured and he shares how his experience has been as a member of such an amazing team. “I enjoyed everything. From the rehearsals to everything being implemented live on stage. I enjoyed every bit of it because we always give a 100%, whether we are at rehearsals or on stage”, he excitedly says. As someone who represents males in the gospel music industry, he says, “It is very important for us especially as the gospel industry not to shy away from facing this and speaking the truth around it. Let us not use the spiritual only but let us hold people accountable”.
The event was a success and because this was an exclusively men events another one was planned on the 5th of December specifically targeting victims of gender-based violence. Christmas carols and many more delights were enjoyed on this day.
