On Thursday, 30 October, CATHCA hosted a highly successful Ringa Mjita Men’s Gathering, bringing together over 50 men for open and honest discussions around fatherhood, mental health, and child development.
The event created a safe space for men to learn, share, and connect — with a special focus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. Participants explored how alcohol use during pregnancy affects child development, and how ADHD symptoms may show up in everyday behaviour.
The Department of Social Development (DSD) provided valuable insights on child support and DNA processes, while No Excuse encouraged men to take active, supportive roles as fathers, partners, and brothers.
The event was strengthened by the presence and contributions of many partners, including
:
Heartlines Fathers Matter, No Excuse, Khoroni Men’s Forum, Let Us Grow, DSD, Zulu Traditional Kingdom, Khoisan Traditional Kingdom, Stratford Clinic, Stratford Medical Clinical Forensic, Inkanyezi HIV/AIDS Organization, Sizanani Community Development, Clean Touch, and Generation G.
Together, these stakeholders helped make the event both educational and empowering, highlighting the importance of men’s involvement in promoting healthier families and communities.