Latest news with #Men'sMonth
The Citizen
17-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Berea SAPS officers honoured in commemoration of Men's Month
MALE members of the Berea SAPS swapped their blue regalia and boots for swag when they were recently honoured in commemoration of Men's Month for their contribution in fighting crime and restoring public order. The day was marked with gifts, motivational talks and celebration. The Station Commander, Colonel Hlengiwe Gcabashe, relayed her gratitude to her members for their dedication, saying the station management saw it fit to honour them during Men's Month. 'Police work is not always a walk in the park; our members are faced with challenges everyday but they work hard and produce impressive results. I always ask them to jump, they ask 'how high',' Gcabashe said. During the event, it surfaced that some police officers face personal and psychological challenges, preventing them from executing duties to the desired results. Motivational speaker Thomas Radebe highlighted that the rising number of police officers who murder their loved ones, and those who commit suicide, was alarming. He attributed this to lack of self-love, emphasising that men must learn to love themselves more than their jobs. Police medical aid representative, Kehilwe Phepheng, educated the men on the surging danger of chronic illnesses, some of which were self-inflicted. He advised them to exercise regularly, follow a healthy diet and conduct regular health screenings. Mental health was also addressed. It was underlined that the disease is creeping in among the personnel, and at times the devastation is not recognised. Police members were urged to keep an eye on mental health symptoms like low energy, excessive drinking and drug use, feeling hopeless, overeating, sleeping too much, shouting and fighting with family members, and suicidal thoughts. Although these symptoms appear 'normal' the men were advised to seek proper help before it's too late. For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Men's Month: Financial wellness tips to help men build wealth and stability
In recognition of July as Men's Month, Thabang Pitso, Atlas Finance operations executive, shares six practical ways men can lay the groundwork for a financially secure future. He argues that financial pressure on men is real. 'Men are often seen as the backbone of their families, expected to be the primary financial providers, breadwinners, and protectors who ensure their households never go without. But in fulfilling these roles, who supports them? Who equips them with the financial literacy they need?' he said. Here are tips to help men be financially wise. • Set clear financial goals As the head and leader of your household, you carry the responsibility of guiding your family toward a secure future. You have a vision and a clear picture of the life you want to build for yourself and your loved ones. To bring that vision to life, it is essential to set clear, realistic, and attainable financial goals. Without specific goals, it's easy for money to be spent impulsively or mismanaged, leading to missed opportunities and financial stress. • Create and stick to a budget It's important for everyone to shift the way they view budgeting. Often, people associate budgeting with restriction or the denial of enjoyment, but in reality, budgeting is not about limiting your life; it's about taking control of it. A well-thought-out budget gives you the power to make informed financial decisions, rather than simply reacting to unexpected expenses or falling into debt. • Start saving, no matter how small Discipline and consistency are two of the most important traits when it comes to building financial stability and long-term success. It's not always about how much you save, but how consistently you do it. Even small steps, taken regularly, can lead to significant progress over time. One of the simplest yet most effective approaches is to start small, like saving just R50. While that may seem like a small amount, the key is in the habit. Over time, those small deposits accumulate and form a financial cushion. This growing savings buffer can become a lifeline during emergencies, help with school-related expenses, or provide the foundation for seizing opportunities. • Understand and manage debt wisely One of the major setbacks many people face is not having a sufficient understanding of debt, which prevents them from managing it properly. Without a clear grasp of how debt functions, including the different types of debt, interest rates, payment schedules, and the consequences of missed payments, individuals can struggle to make informed financial decisions. This lack of knowledge can lead to accumulating unmanageable debt, falling behind on payments, and incurring additional fees or penalties. • Build credit, don't fear it A good credit record opens doors to future opportunities. Pay accounts on time, avoid defaulting, and check your credit status annually. Having a positive credit profile can help you access better loan terms and grow your financial reputation. • Invest in financial education Knowledge is financial power. Understanding how money works equips you to make smarter decisions that can improve your financial well-being. Make it a habit to read up on money matters regularly, which can include books, reputable websites, articles, and financial news that cover topics such as credit scores, interest rates, retirement planning, and the latest savings products. Staying informed about current financial trends and tools helps you adapt your strategies to meet your goals effectively. Another crucial step is to consult with reputable and accredited financial advisors. These professionals can offer personalised guidance tailored to your unique financial situation. Whether you need help managing debt, choosing the right savings accounts or investment products, or improving your credit health, advisors can help you navigate complex financial decisions and avoid common pitfalls. 'In a world of rising costs and economic uncertainty, financial literacy is more than a skill; it's a necessity. For men striving to lead secure and stable households, taking intentional steps towards managing money wisely can shape not only their futures but those of their families,' said Pitso. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
