The Springs Education Transport Association (SETA) hosted an inspiring celebration of leadership and wellness in honor of International Men’s Day on November 19, 2024. The event, held at Bophelong Centre, Building 56, Springs, recognized the dedication of the organization’s leaders and emphasized the importance of health, financial education, and safety among men.
SETA, established in April 2024 to improve road safety and encourage digitization in the transportation sector, used the occasion to reflect on its journey. Executive board member Amos Mahlangu shared the organization’s history, explaining its evolution from the Gauteng Education Transport Co-ordinates to the formation of a regional structure, culminating in the creation of the Springs Education Transport Association.
Recognizing Leadership
Awards were presented to men and women who played pivotal roles in establishing the organization, fostering a sense of unity and gratitude. The ceremony also welcomed new members, introducing them to the program’s mission and history.
Addressing Challenges Facing Men
Warrant Officer Modise took the stage with a sobering message about the challenges faced by men in South Africa.
“Men are disappointing us. Prisons are overcrowded with men, both young and old, exceeding 150% capacity,” Modise said. He urged men to avoid crime and work towards self-improvement, offering community safety contact numbers for various sectors in Springs to enhance security and police engagement.
Safety Contact Numbers:
– Sector 1: 071 675 6997
– Sector 2 (Selcourt, Selection Park, Daggafontein): 071 675 6999 / 071 675 6996
– Sector 3 (Steubenvale, Springs Mall): 071 675 7002 / 071 675 7003
– Sector 4 (Slovo, Etwatwa): 073 354 7345
– Sector 5: 071 675 7006 / 071 675 7007
– Sector 6 (Pollak Park, Wright Park, Mzumbe): 071 675 7668 / 071 675 7669
For additional safety inquiries, Warrant Officer Modise can be reached directly at 073 354 7345.
Promoting Health and Financial Literacy
Representatives from various sectors provided practical advice on health and financial well-being.
Health and Wellness:Nurse Selesla Zwane emphasized the importance of regular checkups to prevent prostate cancer. “Men should stop drinking cold drinks and energy drinks—they’re poison. Instead, drink green tea, herbs, and plenty of water,” she advised.
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapist Palesa Chonco debunked the misconception that physiotherapy is only for white people. She encouraged regular exercise and adherence to prescribed medications, warning against excessive use of headache powders like Grandpa. “It may relieve pain now, but it can damage your kidneys in the long run,” she cautioned.
Financial Literacy: Old Mutual’s financial education department urged men to invest wisely and save for the future, highlighting the importance of long-term financial planning.
The celebration highlighted the importance of empowering men to lead healthier, safer, and more financially stable lives. SETA’s commitment to leadership, community safety, and wellness demonstrates its dedication to transforming the transport sector while addressing broader societal challenges.
For more information on SETA and its programs, contact their offices at Bophelong Centre, Springs.
By Sibongile Sokela
