Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe says South African men can only claim their rightful position in society if they speak out against violence against women and children. He was the keynote speaker at International Men's Day event in Soweto.

Motlanthe says men must rethink their role in society and act as bridge builders to unity. He has also called on men to join the fight against HIV/Aids and crime, saying men have the responsibility to encourage safe sexual behaviour. 

Also touching on messages of sexual behaviour was Secretary General of the National Association of People Living with HIV/Aids Nkululeko Nxesi. He said efforts to combat the pandemic will prove fruitless unless men are mobilised to join forces with women. Nxesi says men must be at the forefront of the struggle to improve the lives of all people. 

Meanwhile, Social Development Minister Edna Molewa urged South African men to be at the forefront of initiatives to stop violence against women and children.

The objectives of the event include a focus on men's and boy's health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality and highlighting positive male role models. It is an occasion for men to highlight discrimination against them and to celebrate their achievements and contributions, in particular for their contributions to community, family, marriage and child care.