STRENGTHENING FAMILIES: FATHER AND SON, MOTHER AND DAUGHTER PROGRAMMES LAUNCH IN JOHANNESBURG

By Precious Mupenzi

• The Department of Social Development is launching the Father and Son and Mother and Daughter programmes in Johannesburg from 25 to 27 September 2024, aimed at empowering families and addressing pressing youth issues such as mental health, substance abuse, and gender-based violence.
• Minister of Social Development, Ms. Sisisi Tolashe, highlighted the need to strengthen vulnerable families during her Budget Vote Speech, emphasising that a strong family unit fosters societal resilience and dignity.
• Facilitated by organisations like FAMSA and the Teddy Bear Foundation, these programmes will create a safe space for intergenerational dialogue, providing participants with valuable insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of modern life.

When Minister Sisisi Tolashe took office, she promised to strengthen families by expanding programs aimed at improving their well-being. During her maiden budget vote speech, she emphasised the need to support vulnerable families by providing essential services that help them become more resilient and self-reliant. She said, “We want to draw attention to the importance of strengthening vulnerable families by providing access to a range of essential support services that build resilience and self-reliance within families.”

As she stated, “Through the 2024 Budget, we want to draw attention to the importance of strengthening vulnerable families. It is through the strength and support of families that we can foster a society where every individual, especially the vulnerable, can thrive with dignity and safety.” This sentiment will come to life at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg from 25 to 27 September 2024, where families will gather for meaningful discussions on pressing issues affecting today’s youth.

While these sessions will run in parallel, their shared goal is to foster intergenerational dialogue and tackle critical issues affecting the youth today. Mr. Tshepo Mudavheni, Assistant Director of Gender Empowerment within the DSD, emphasises the importance of these discussions.

“By bringing families together, we create unique opportunities for mutual understanding and open dialogue. With an array of engaging activities and expert insights, these programmes are set to empower families to tackle contemporary issues head-on, ensuring that both parents and children leave equipped with knowledge and strategies to navigate the complexities of modern life,” he explains.

The Father and Son and Mother and Daughter programmes go beyond mere discussions; participants will engage in conversations on a variety of pressing topics, including gender-based violence, trafficking, and online safety.

“These sessions are about building bridges between generations, ensuring both parents and children feel equipped to tackle contemporary issues,” Mudavheni remarks.

Facilitated by organisations like the Family and Marriage Society of South Africa (FAMSA) and the Teddy Bear Foundation, the sessions will cover vital subjects such as identity, self-worth, and issues relevant to the LGBTQIA+ community. Expert speakers will provide insights and strategies for behavioural change, addressing pressing social concerns like peer pressure, mental health, teenage pregnancy, and substance abuse. Central to the discussions will be sexual and reproductive health, positive masculinity for boys, and the realities of gender-based violence and human trafficking.

The need for such initiatives has never been clearer. Recent surveys, including the South African Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS), reveal troubling trends among adolescents. Approximately 30% of young people report mental health issues like anxiety and depression, while another 30% of high school learners have experimented with alcohol and marijuana. Teenage pregnancy rates remain alarmingly high, with around 10% of births occurring among mothers aged 15-19.

The report further reveals that young women aged 15-24 are particularly vulnerable to new HIV infections, emphasising the need for enhanced sexual health education. However, access to healthcare services is often hindered by stigma and geographical barriers, leaving few youth-friendly options available.

Mudavheni stresses the importance of understanding these challenges: “Research shows that adolescents, both boys and girls, face numerous difficulties during this critical stage of development. Mental health, substance abuse, and issues surrounding sexual health are just the tip of the iceberg.”

He further indicated that in a society where open discussions about sensitive topics are often sidelined, these programmes aim to break the silence around communication, mental health, substance abuse, and sexual and reproductive health.

“By creating a safe environment for mothers and daughters, as well as fathers and sons, participants will gain valuable knowledge about their rights and responsibilities,” he said.

The father-son relationship, in particular, is key to addressing these issues. The amount of time spent together and the quality of interactions play a crucial role in building strong, meaningful bonds. Yet, communication quality often falters. “Anxiety in parent-child communication frequently prevents boys from expressing themselves freely. This is a challenge that needs to be addressed,” Mudavheni points out.

The transition to adulthood can be particularly difficult for some boys, leading to involvement in crime, substance abuse, or struggles with mental health. Academic challenges can also contribute to high dropout rates, underscoring the urgency of these discussions.

“To combat these pressing issues, the upcoming sessions will facilitate open conversations about the challenges faced by young boys and girls, empowering them to make informed choices. By coming together to discuss these topics, we can foster understanding and create a supportive environment for our youth. It is vital that we address the challenges faced by adolescents to ensure a healthier, brighter future for all,” he adds.