On 28 and 29 June 2021, the University’s Employee Health and Wellness Section of the Human Resources Department organised an educational Men’s Health event. This educational Men’s Health event took place on Microsoft Teams and was organised for male staff members.
In his opening address, the University Registrar, Advocate Edward Lambani underscored the fact that the event was planned to address the ‘men who die silently’ challenge. He pointed out that the event was intentionally organised in June because June is the month of ‘men’.
Advocate Lambani further advised men to seek assistance when they experience challenges in life. He characterised challenges into those which affect mental, physical, sexuality, and all other issues affecting men in general. He concluded by making a call to all men to attend an event like this one because they will learn how to be open, talk about their problems, and seek help.
The guest speaker, Dr Takalani Makulana addressed men on other things that men don’t understand about women under the topic of women and sex.
She was followed by the Head of Control Prosecutor at Department of Justice, Dzanani Magistrate Court, Advocate Khathutshelo Nemudzivhadi who addressed male staff members on matters of love and respect. He enlightened and motivated men, quoting some Biblical scriptures. Advocate Nemudzivhadi concluded his talk by advising male staff members on how they (men) should conduct themselves as heads of families, especially during challenging times. He further spoke about some of the legal aspects that bind two people who are married to each other and those who are staying together, married, or not married. He advised men to be exemplary as heads of their families.
Head of Labour Relations, Advocate Rudzani Makhema gave a vote of thanks. As the programme director, Mr Esrom Phungo remarked that as a man, one might start doing better after the health talk. In that way you will be able to build your families and the community at large,’ said Mr Phungo
When rendering the purpose of the event on Day Two, the Director Marketing, Branding and Communication, Dr Takalani Dzaga indicated that, for the HR Department to organise this kind of event for staff members, it means that the University takes its staff members’ health serious and that staff members should also do likewise. He encouraged male staff members to take regular check-ups. Dr Dzaga mentioned that the secondary purpose of this event is to encourage a healthy diet among staff members because this will result in staff members being productive.
As the guest speaker, Dr Munyadziwa Albert Kwinda addressed male UNIVEN staff members under the topic ‘Common health problem in men: Prostate problem and sexual related problem‘. In his address, Dr Kwinda also used Biblical scriptures to motivate and advise men on how to address life challenges. He encouraged attendees to go for regular check-ups and to monitor their health statuses. ‘Every disease can be treated as long as it is detected at an early stage,’ concludes Dr Kwinda.
The Head of Human Resources Operations, Mr Victor Sigama gave a vote of thanks.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525 /8710
Date: 06 July 2021
