Performing artist, poet, author and social cohesion advocate for the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Matalane Mokgatla prepares to climb Kilimanjaro for men to speak out.
He says part of his responsibility as a social cohesion advocate is to facilitate dialogues, coordinate awareness campaigns and workshops on issues such as moral renewal, bridging social gaps and fighting gender-based violence.
“I am undertaking this expedition to raise awareness for men to speak out against depression and vulnerability and to break the cycle of abuse, domestic violence and suicide,” Matalane said.
Matalane says he wants to highlight the importance of presenting men with alternative and multiple ways of dealing with problems and challenges and to encourage help-seeking.
“I have come to learn that the rate of suicide in men is mostly associated with depression or mental health issues, physical pain, living alone, and feelings of hopelessness and guilt. So I want men to come out and seek help and talk about things that frustrates them.”
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. It stands tall in Tanzania, East Africa at 5,895 meters.
There are three peaks on Kilimanjaro: Gilmans Point, Stella Point and Uhuru Peak. It takes five to nine days to reach Kilimanjaro summit and then descend to the end point.
The charasmatic and energetic praise poet says he’s been doing a lot of planning and training and he is now ready to climb Kilimanjaro. He will be leaving South Africa between the 5th and 15th of November 2022.
“I am healthy and strong. I do plenty of long walks, regular runs, bike rides, gym sessions and hiking. In preparation for the highest mountain in Africa Kilimanjaro this year alone I’ve hiked the highest mountain in South Africa, Mafadi in KZN, and the highest in Southern Africa, Thabana Ntlenyana in Lesotho and Iron Crown which is the highest in Limpopo.”
“I am self-funding this expedition and would appreciate anyone who can help raise funds.”
If you wish to help Matalane Mokgatla. You can use the following information to make donations.
Bank: FNB
Account name: Mokgatla M Foundation NPC
Account Type: Business Account
Account Number: 62814098481
Branch Code: 200609