Alderman Eddie Andrews calling men to action at National Men’s Parliament

07 December 2024

Alderman Eddie Andrews, the City’s Deputy Mayor, delivered the welcoming remarks at the National Men’s Parliament in Cape Town on Friday morning, 6 December 2024. This event coincides with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. Below is an excerpt of his speech

It is both a privilege and an honour to welcome you to the National Men’s Parliament here in Cape Town.

As I reflect on the importance of our gathering today, I am reminded of a powerful quote by one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time, John Wooden, who once said: ‘The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.’

This quote resonates deeply with our shared purpose here today.

We are united by a common mission: to strengthen accountability amongst ourselves as men, and our role as leaders in government, communities, and families.

Therefore, this is more than an event – it is a call to action.

It is a call for us, as men, to step up and take responsibility, not just for ourselves, but for those who look to us for guidance and leadership. It is a call to hold ourselves accountable in every aspect of our lives, to be role models for the next generation, and to embrace the values of integrity, respect, and empathy.

This is a call to action to transform how we engage with our communities, to challenge harmful stereotypes and toxic masculinity, and to be the change we wish to see.

This event coincides with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, a campaign that underscores the urgent need to address one of the most pressing issues of our time.

Violence against women and children is not only a violation of human dignity but also a stain on the fabric of our society.

This event is therefore a call to every man in this room and beyond to say, ‘Not in my name’.

At the heart of this fight is the need to confront and dismantle toxic masculinity. For far too long, harmful notions of what it means to be a man have perpetuated cycles of violence, silence, and neglect - hurting not only women and children, but also men themselves.

Strength does not lie in dominance or suppression. True strength lies in compassion, accountability, and the ability to build rather than destroy.

Taking a stand means redefining masculinity in a way that empowers our boys to be comfortable in their own skin. It means teaching them that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength that fosters deeper connections and emotional well-being. When boys are encouraged to express their feelings openly, ask for help when needed, and respect themselves and others, they grow into men who lead with integrity, compassion, and care.

It calls on us to reflect on our role in advancing healthcare, particularly in the battle against HIV, TB, and other preventable health challenges.

The reluctance among men to seek timely care for their health is a crisis that ripples through communities. HIV remains a silent threat, compounded by stigma, misinformation, and a reluctance to access services. Addressing these barriers is not only a medical imperative, but a moral one. We must redefine health care as a sign of strength, not weakness.

The ‘Better Man 4 Tomorrow’ campaign, which builds on the momentum of World AIDS Day, represents an important step in addressing men’s health. This initiative encourages men to engage in their health journey, normalise health-seeking behaviours, and build a culture where health is prioritised.

As we look at the healthcare services available to the people of Cape Town, we are reminded that primary healthcare is often the first point of contact for individuals seeking care. Through our City Health Department's extensive network of over 77 clinics and mobile units, we are working to ensure that health services, including men’s health, HIV care, and screenings for chronic diseases, are accessible to all.

This integrated approach to healthcare is pivotal in making sure that every person in our community receives the care they need, when they need it most.

Health, however, does not exist in isolation. It is influenced by poverty, inequality, unemployment, and access to education. These socio-economic challenges must be addressed alongside health initiatives to create lasting change.

This is why this Parliament is so important: it’s about finding holistic solutions and building partnerships that can make a real impact where it matters most.

This brings us back to the words of John Wooden, words that remind us that true strength lies not only in what we publicly proclaim, but in how we live our values day in and day out.

So let’s live the example we proclaim.

Let’s be the men of integrity.

Let’s get to work and show what’s possible when men lead with integrity, compassion, and action.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office