Men and boys who take their own lives are not cowards or failures. Prof Mbulelo Dyasi (on the podium in the picture) further noted that it is often communities, families, and other men who contribute to the issue. He further lamented that even if a partner is unfaithful or facing challenges like erectile dysfunction, employment issues, or gender imbalances, there is no need for
stigma. Prof Mbulelo addressed several such issues during Ungazibulali Ndoda Men’s Conference held on the 25th of July 2026 in Midrand, South Africa. The conference, which was attended by different stakeholders, including her worship, the Executive Deputy Mayor of City of Johannesburg, Cllr Loyiso Masuku (in picture with Prof Mbulelo) several Members of Parliament, Law enforcement agency representatives, Religious leaders, Traditional leaders, Civic organisation representatives, Health sector representatives and the public, deliberated on struggles that are beyond men’s control, which may result in men committing suicide, leaving their partners and children with stigma, blame, and suffering.
The conference, which was organised and coordinated by Dr Nkululeko Khanya Foundation, noted that understanding root causes is crucial, as one speaker testified to a horror experience when he found his wife with a boyfriend in their bedroom and inevitably killed her, resulting in him getting arrested, charged for murder and consequently serving 14 years in prison. Many questioned whether such risks were necessary and why
such acts couldn’t be arranged discreetly in hotels. Although there are no excuses, the speaker chose to change his life and embrace Christ Jesus, expressing regret for his actions. The conference collectively agreed that mocking people for their struggles is unjustifiable and can contribute to GBVF. Men and boys need support to openly discuss their issues, despite the difficulties. This moral agreement came against the background that in South Africa, about 80% of recorded suicides are men, totalling nearly 30 per day, leading the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities to declare male suicide a national crisis. Several participants acknowledged that attending the conference was valuable, and the Ungazibulali Ndoda campaign is encouraged to join all sectoral parliaments focusing on men and boys.