Wellbeing is not a private burden to be carried alone

The Men’s Mental Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Leadership in the Workplace Summit, created space for conversations that are often postponed, avoided, or carried silently, including discussions about identity, vulnerability, pressure, health, relationships, leadership, and support.

The event was organised by CPUT, Stellenbosch University (SU), Employee Wellbeing Services, and EAPA-SA and held at the SU Tygerberg Medical Campus.

The event’s theme was: Reimagining Masculinity, Wellbeing and Sustainable Leadership in the Workplace, and Chevaan Peters, Manager: Knowledge Information Systems in the Centre for the Advancement of Social Impact and Transformation at SU, noted that the theme, “asks us to pause and reflect deeply on what it means for men to lead, to belong, to support one another and to be well — not only physically, but emotionally, mentally, relationally and spiritually”.

“It reminds us that wellbeing is not a private burden to be carried alone, but a shared responsibility within our workplaces, our institutions and our communities,” Peters, who was also the programme director, observed.

At this significant gathering, Lucina Reddy, Employment Equity Specialist at CPUT, acknowledged Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, and other dedicated staff members for fostering a vital space that encourages open and honest dialogue about men’s health. “To the team who made this event possible from EAPA-SA, University of Stellenbosch and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology - thank you for the thought that went into creating this memorable and important event.

“Thank you to all the participants who took the time to be here today…Thank you for leadership on this issue in your corner of the world.”

Ebrahiem Abrahams, Director of Employment Relations at SU delivered the welcome address, emphasising the importance of the gathering within the broader context of the workplace and institutional framework. In her opening remarks, Rozelda Elliot, Chapter Chairperson of EAPA-SA in the Western Cape, highlighted the significance of employee assistance programmes, wellbeing initiatives, and support structures in creating healthier workplaces.

William Swartbooi, an Executive and Leadership Coach, presented a keynote address titled "Beyond the Surface: The Physical Impact of Male Menopause”. Following this, Max Qwayi from the SU Campus Health Service led a panel discussion focused on conversations that men rarely have.

Wilhelm Verwoerd from the Centre for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and Reparative Justice facilitated a workshop on Strengthening Relational Capacities for Men’s Wellbeing and Working Across Differences. Meanwhile, George Arrey from the SU Faculty of Theology moderated a panel discussion titled "Emotional and Spiritual Wellbeing: Strong Men Also Seek Support. Reddy concluded with the reminder: “I want to leave you with these words… Inclusive psychologically safe environments aren’t accidental. They are intentionally created by people who choose empathy, respect, and connection every day!”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: BoyceAp@cput.ac.za