By Thabo Monyela
The month of November is mainly known for the Movember Movement. Movember is an annual event involving the growing of mustaches during the month to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide.
In support of men’s health, Ernest Malatji (27) commonly known as “Ncheve” and “Khataza AmanyeMadoda” from Moleketla village mentioned that growing a beard goes beyond the Movember movement, to him it’s a reflection of Manhood. “For me, growing beard is part of maintaining our African identity,” he said
However, he feels positive about this movement since it addresses health-related issues that are being faced by men.
Malatji said the growth of beard was inspired by Khataza AmanyeMadoda, Uzalo character portrayed by Sibonile Ngubane and rapper Big Zulu. He started growing a beard before the character could emerge in uzalo, however, he was more influenced by the character to be proud of growing a beard.
“So today I feel proud that there is more to growing beard than what I knew before as a reflection of manhood,” Ncheve said. He feels like this movement shouldn’t be confined to November only, rather it should be done daily. Since growing a beard signifies a sense of African men, he feels like this perception should be integrated with the Movember movement.
His biggest appeal is that this movement could be known to all men especially in the rural communities. “The Movember movement will help us to integrate our cultures with the modern perceptions,” he concluded.
