By Siphesihle Dlamini
Dr Jerry Mofokeng waMakhetha, a celebrated South African actor and advocate for social change, has called for men to take responsibility for their children.
He took centre stage at the ‘I Am A Man’ men’s conference, held at the Mbabane Alliance Church on Wednesday.
With a compelling message centred on responsibility and the essence of true manhood, Dr Mofokeng challenged men to redefine their roles as fathers and community leaders.
“Go and declare as fathers of your children. Take responsibility,” he implored, urging the men present to not only acknowledge their children but to actively participate in their lives.
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Drawing from his personal experiences, Dr Mofokeng shared his life story of learning the identity of his real father at the age of 58, a journey that taught him the importance of paternal presence and engagement.
The conference revolved around fostering a culture of respect and accountability among men, particularly in the context of gender-based violence (GBV).
Dr Mofokeng highlighted the stark contrast between being a man and merely being male. “There is a huge margin between a man and a male.
You can never be a man if you are still a boy,” he asserted, calling on men to rise above childish behaviours and embrace their responsibilities.
In his address, Dr Mofokeng lamented the alarming rates of GBV in society, emphasizing that true masculinity is rooted in respect and protection, not violence.
“Where are the men? The men who will stand and protect their families?” he questioned, challenging the audience to reflect on their roles as protectors and nurturers within their households.
He urged men to cultivate a culture of fidelity within marriages, stating that “being a man is not a curse.” Cheating, he asserted, is a betrayal not only to one’s partner but to the very essence of what it means to be a committed man.
Dr Mofokeng extended his call to action to women as well, urging them to empower younger women who are preparing for marriage.
“You cannot just train a person on such topics in just one hour,” he cautioned, highlighting the need for ongoing support and education in relationships.
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Dr. Mofokeng also addressed the importance of self-reflection and accountability among men.
“Make a choice to deal with the problem,” he encouraged, advocating for men to admit when they are struggling and to seek help.
He stressed the necessity of resisting temptation and making choices that reflect maturity and responsibility.
“It’s no excuse to do what is unacceptable just because of our gender,” Dr Mofokeng concluded, leaving the audience with a powerful message about the need for men to hold themselves accountable for their actions and to strive towards a more respectful and compassionate society.
Dr Jerry Mofokeng waMakhetha is not only a prominent figure in the South African film industry, having starred in critically acclaimed movies such as ‘Cry The Beloved Country’, ‘Lord of War’, ‘Mandela and de Klerk’, and the 2005 Academy Award-winning film ‘Tsotsi’, but he is also a voice of reason and change within his community.
Through his remarkable journey from a child seeking paternal connection to a man advocating for responsible fatherhood, he embodies the essence of growth and transformation.
