Multi-award-winning photojournalist Ayanda Ndamane is determined to bring about change and curb gender-based violence.
Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers
Gender-based violence (GBV) has become a pandemic in South Africa, and this photojournalist is trying to bring about change positively.
Ayanda Ndamane is a multi-award-winning photojournalist who is known for capturing vibrant news images and is changing the narrative and bringing a ‘men’s conference’ that is needed in all communities.
While Ndamane is always covering the news, he is stepping out from behind the lens to make a meaningful difference as he hosts the first Thetha Ndoda (Men Speak Up) Empowerment and Healing Dialogue.
The founder and director of the Ayanda Ndamane Foundation will be hosting the healing dialogue this weekend.
The dialogue aims to create a safe space for men to discuss mental health, fatherhood, life challenges, positive masculinity, accountability, financial pressures, and ending GBV to create a better society and build an environment beneficial for generations to come.
Speaking to IOL, Ndamane said this initiative aims to break the silence that often leads to violence, substance abuse, and emotional suppression.
“South Africa continues to face high levels of gender-based violence, youth unemployment, family instability, and mental health challenges among men. Many men suffer in silence due to social stigma and societal expectations. Though only four months old, the Ayanda Ndamane Foundation was established with urgency, purpose, and a clear mission to intervene early, engage men constructively, and build collaborative solutions that strengthen communities,” Ndamane said.
The dialogue will see a diverse selection of men from all sectors of life sharing their expertise and experiences.
“This is more than a conversation; it is a call for men to speak, heal, and lead with purpose. When men are supported and empowered, families and communities thrive,” Ndamane said.
While the dialogue will be the first major event for the foundation, it will not be the last this year. Dialogues will also be hosted for youth and women.
“After this gathering, we will also be taking this to schools targeting boys in Grades 10 to 12, as well as continuing to speak to boys in the township.
“We will be hosting youth and women dialogues, but at the end of the year, we want to host a big event with men, women, and youth so we can all be together, talk about problems and find solutions. Because GBV, mental health, financial pressures, and toxic masculinity do not just disappear,” Ndamane said.
“I hope we have a great turnout, and if we could change even one life, it would be a win. This is not just a one-off thing. If men need more help, we will follow up. We will send them to social workers. We will not just end things there. We will constantly be checking up and continue to support and assist men,” Ndamane said.
The event is free of charge and open to all men.
The event will be taking place at the Mew Way Community Sports and Recreation Hall (Mew Way O.R Tambo Hall) in Khayelitsha on Saturday, February 28, from 10am until 1pm.
For more information, contact Ayanda Ndamane at 084 360 0446.
IOL