Hillbrow Community Unites to Celebrate Fathers and Promote Men’s Mental Health
By Thembi Moyo
HILLBROW – Fathers from across Hillbrow came together at the Hillbrow Boxing Club for a meaningful Father’s Day celebration that focused on mental health, community support and creating safe spaces for men to share their experiences. The event, initiated and hosted by community leader Mosima, brought together residents and stakeholders including Hillbrow Clinic, the Hillbrow Community Policing Forum (CPF),Hillbrow Saps,Lifeline JHB ,Stakeholders, NICRO, the Johannesburg Homeless Outreach Programme and the City of Johannesburg Library Services. Pick n Pay also supported the initiative by donating food parcels for those in attendance.
Mosima said the idea behind the event was to bring the community together because fathers also need to feel seen, heard and appreciated. “Too often men carry their struggles in silence. This event was about creating a space where they could talk openly, encourage one another and know they are not alone. When we come together as a community, we can support each other and build stronger families,” she said. Representing NICRO, Siboniso said although the organisation works mainly with first-time offenders, including young people and road traffic-related offences, the Father’s Day gathering was about strengthening the community. “We need to continue supporting one another. Respect, communication and working together are what help build safer communities,” he said.
Library Outreach Officer Nelitha from the City of Johannesburg encouraged residents to develop a culture of reading. “Reading is a powerful tool that can reduce stress, improve mental health and open doors to new opportunities. As we celebrate fathers today, let’s also encourage one another to keep learning and growing,” she said. Hillbrow Clinic social worker Hlanganani spoke about the emotional pressures faced by many men. “Many men feel unappreciated when life doesn’t go according to plan. But success isn’t only measured by money or status. Being present for your family, supporting your children and doing your best every day is something to be proud of. We need to remind men that their lives matter,” she said.
Another social worker encouraged men to express their emotions rather than suffer in silence. “Many men have been taught to hide their feelings, but keeping everything inside often leads to anger and frustration. We need to create safe spaces where men can talk without fear of being judged. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” the social worker said. A representative from the South African Police Service (SAPS) also addressed the gathering, urging men to prioritise their mental health and avoid crime. The officer said many people believe that being arrested means their lives are over, but that is not the case. “When people become involved in crime or find themselves under arrest, many lose hope and think it’s the end of the world. We encourage men to seek help, take care of their mental health and stay away from crime. Too often we see families destroyed by violence, with some men killing their partners while others end up taking their own lives. We want men to choose a different path, look after their health, seek support when they are struggling and make decisions that will lead to a better future for themselves and their families,” the officer said.
The event concluded with a shared meal made possible through Pick n Pay’s donation of food parcels, giving attendees an opportunity to continue their conversations in a relaxed and welcoming environment.For many who attended, the Father’s Day gathering was more than a celebration. It was a reminder that strong communities are built through compassion, open dialogue and supporting one another during life’s challenges.
