By Flata Kavinga
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube has officially launched the Midlands Provincial Male Voice Foundation (MVM) at Mbizo Youth Centre in Kwekwe.
In his keynote address Minister Ncube who was represented by Kwekwe District Development Coordinator Fortune Mpungu (pictured above) described the launch as a significant milestone in promoting men’s welfare, social development, and community empowerment.
“Today we gather to witness the realisation of a shared dream that promises to transform our communities and our nation,” he said. “The Male Voice Foundation embodies the collective hopes of a bright future and our commitment to creating positive change.”
Ncube outlined three key objectives of the foundation — development, economic growth, and national progress. He said the organisation would focus on enhancing skills to drive the economy, supporting individuals to reach their potential, and contributing to building a prosperous and harmonious society.
The Minister added that the initiative would also seek to challenge stigma and societal expectations that often hinder men from accessing support and opportunities.
“The foundation provides a platform for inclusiveness and innovation while aligning with the country’s national development agenda,” he said.
Ncube commended the organisers and stakeholders behind the programme, saying partnerships with like-minded organisations would be critical in ensuring its success.
The Midlands Provincial Male Voice Foundation becomes one of the latest affiliates to rally communities towards addressing social challenges affecting men, including counselling, emotional support, and development opportunities.
The Male Voice Foundation, an affiliate of the ruling ZANU-PF party, had its leadership pledging to provide counseling and support services to men experiencing abuse.
Speaking on the sidelines of the launch, the organization’s secretary for administration Hector Kabunu said the initiative was driven by the need to create a platform where men could openly report and seek help for cases of abuse.
“We realized that men are suffering inside and they have no way to report it,” Kabunu said.
“There are many organizations assisting women in cases of abuse but very few for men. As Male Voice Foundation, we have come in to provide counseling and support services — emotional, psychological, and social — for men who are in trouble,” he added.
Kabunu noted that the foundation was founded in Mutasa District, Manicaland Province, before expanding its work to Masvingo and now the Midlands, with plans to cover all 10 provinces.
He emphasized that the foundation was not profit-driven and would also involve women in its structures to strengthen its work.
“Men are our main stakeholders, but we are not alienating women. They also play a role in helping us assist men in distress,” he said.
Kabunu stressed that the organization acknowledged abuse as an issue affecting both men and women, adding that its mission was to ensure balance in addressing domestic violence and related challenges.
The launch attracted community members and stakeholders who welcomed the initiative as an alternative avenue for men seeking counseling and emotional support.
