Gift Moyo, [email protected]
Local African dining brand Asidle is set to host the inaugural i-DALE Vent It Out Men’s Experience in Bulawayo on November 7, in a bid to create a safe space for men to discuss mental health and challenges affecting them in modern society.
The initiative seeks to encourage open conversations around men’s mental health, identity, fatherhood, financial responsibility and changing cultural expectations, while providing an opportunity for men from different backgrounds and generations to share experiences and learn from one another.
Speaking to The Chronicle, Asidle founder Nomanjabulo Mantula said the initiative was established to give men aged 19 and above a relaxed and supportive environment in which they could discuss issues that are often difficult to address in everyday life.
“i-DALE Vent It Out Men’s Experience was created to provide men with a safe, relaxed and enjoyable space to connect, share experiences and have conversations that are not always easy to initiate in everyday life.
“Men come from different backgrounds and generations, yet many navigate similar challenges. We wanted to bring these perspectives into one room, creating an environment where men can speak openly, listen without judgement and learn from one another.
“The event is open to men aged 19 and above, from all walks of life. Whether young adults finding their footing or older men navigating different stages of life, everyone has a perspective worth sharing,” she said.
Mantula said the initiative would be held quarterly, with the next gathering planned for March 2027. The organisers also intend to establish similar platforms for women and children before eventually bringing different generations together for broader community conversations.
She said the organisers hoped to document issues raised during the gatherings to ensure that subsequent discussions build on previous conversations and identify opportunities for positive change.
“We are living through significant social and cultural changes that bring new pressures, expectations and challenges. Yet we often lack spaces where we can openly discuss how these changes affect us as individuals, families and communities.
“We are not creating i-DALE because we believe men are the problem. We believe there are conversations we need to have as a society.
“From mental wellness, fatherhood and financial responsibility to health, identity and changing cultural expectations, these are issues that deserve open and honest discussion.
“Our thinking is simple: if we create safe, enjoyable spaces where people feel comfortable speaking and others are willing to listen, we can start conversations that create ripple effects in families, workplaces and communities. We may not have all the answers, but we believe meaningful conversations are a good place to start,” she said.
The inaugural gathering will feature speakers from different professional and cultural backgrounds, including Dr Mlilo, Dr Matsika, Patrick Maseko and Mr Tshabangu, who will address various aspects of men’s lives, including mental health, physical wellness, financial planning and contemporary manhood.
Mantula said the speakers had been selected to provide a combination of professional expertise, cultural perspectives and practical life experiences.
Dr Mlilo will discuss the everyday realities of being a man, including balancing work, business, leadership, fatherhood and personal interests while making time for personal well-being.
Dr Matsika, a urologist, will provide a medical perspective on men’s health, focusing on the male body, sexual health and reproductive wellness.
Maseko will focus on financial planning and preparing for life beyond employment, particularly retirement. His discussion will explore the importance of financial preparedness, finding purpose after leaving the workforce and building fulfilling lives beyond one’s career.
Mr Tshabangu will examine culture, identity and what it means to be an indoda (man) in contemporary society, particularly how traditional expectations of manhood intersect with modern realities.
“We wanted a balance of professional expertise, cultural understanding and practical life experiences. More importantly, we want the speakers to stimulate conversation rather than simply deliver presentations. Attendees should leave having reflected, shared and perhaps looked at certain things differently,” said Mantula.
She also expressed gratitude to the partners supporting the inaugural event.
DAB THREE EVENTS has assisted with audience outreach, while Corporate 24 has provided Dr Matsika as a speaker and sponsored the attendance of some of its staff members. Crisis Network Zimbabwe has supported event organisation, while Hillside Dams has provided the venue.
The Organic Biochemist has contributed gifts for guests, with Vitamind Pharmacy serving as the official ticket sales outlet. Entertainment partners Sekunjalo and The Determined Music will also contribute to the day’s programme.
Mantula said the long-term vision was to use the initiative and similar platforms to encourage meaningful conversations about mental health and social challenges across different genders and generations in Zimbabwe.
“Through i-DALE and the platforms that follow, we hope to create spaces for men, women and children to share experiences and understand different perspectives.
“By documenting these conversations and identifying recurring themes, we hope to build a better understanding of the issues affecting our communities and explore opportunities for positive change.
“We don’t expect to change society overnight. But we believe that creating spaces where people can speak, listen and understand one another is a meaningful place to start,” she said.
The inaugural i-DALE Vent It Out Men’s Experience will be held in Bulawayo on November 7.
