Botswana: The Minister of Youth, Gender, Sports and Culture, Tumiso Macdonald Rakgare, has said it is important to encourage men against attempting suicides as it’s not a solution to their problems.
He spoke at the official launch of International Men’s Day held in Pitsane, where he indicated that it is a celebration of men and their positive impact on society.
Minister Rakgare shared that the Botswana police service has recorded 222 suicides by men while 12 women have committed suicides, which shows over 90% have been committed by men.
He said it is a great concern to the government, and Pitsane has recorded the highest numbers of the recorded incidents. He stated that men resort to committing suicide as opposed to opening up about their problems, and we need to get rid of certain myths that men who show emotions are weak. He said another great concern is the link between most of the suicides and femicides.
Minister Rakgare said there is a need to go back to the drawing board, look at our culture and become better role models.
“We find ourselves affected by high use of drugs and alcohol, and as parents, we need to be accountable for our children. Therefore, we must guide our children and mould them into responsible citizens, encouraging them to open up about their challenges.”
Men sector National Coordinator, Nonofo Leteane, said this day aims to allow men to express themselves and reaffirm their stance against social ills.
He stated that Botswana has the highest suicide rates in Southern Africa, and they intend to conduct research before the financial year ends to find out the root cause of these suicides. He further encouraged men to join the men’s Sector, which is found in every district in the country, to contribute positively towards boys and manhood.
Youth Engagement Lead on Mindset Change from the Office of the President, Kaene Disepo, stated as men, they need to introspect on who they are as men. He said parents should nurture their children, build them up positively and tell them they are proud of them. “Men need to also contribute towards that aspect in the household,” he said.
Minister of Health and Mmathethe/ Molapowabojang, member of Parliament, Dr Edwin Gorataone Dikoloti, said he was concerned about the high drug uptake by youth in his area. He spoke against emotional abuse by women towards men.
He encouraged people to seek counselling at churches and clinics. He encouraged people to visit Sabrana Psychiatric Clinic for consultations when they feel emotionally down. He said all should know that they are all prone to mental illnesses.
He said men should know that their health is their responsibility, and they should consider the emotional scars they leave behind on their loved ones.
The day ended with a football match between Minister’s football and the Good hope men sector team.