Reflecting on Impact: UnsilencedMen at the 1Life & Clientèle Men’s Conference 2025

On Thursday, 13 November 2025, UnsilencedMen (NPO) had the honour of participating as a panellist at the esteemed 1Life & Clientèle Staff Men’s Conference, hosted at the Clientèle Office Park in Morningside, Johannesburg. Themed “Silent No More: Survivor Storytelling,” the event brought together influential voices from various fields to address the emotional, psychological, and social experiences of men in today’s world.

A Powerful Gathering of Voices

The panel featured a diverse and dynamic lineup of experts, including:

• Vishen Pillay — Moderator & facilitator

• Shermon Malefane — Pastor, purpose-driven entrepreneur & social activist

• Mahen Thamanna — Managing Director, Clientèle Benefits Company

• Dr Avron Urison — Medical doctor, entrepreneur & strategic wellness consultant

• Dr Steve Molakeng — Mental health professional & UnsilencedMen representative

  
  

Together, these leaders created a space where honesty, vulnerability, and transformation were not only welcomed but celebrated.

UnsilencedMen’s Contribution: A Voice for Healing

Representing UnsilencedMen, Dr. Steven Molakeng delivered a profound and insightful contribution as the panel’s mental health expert. With years of clinical, therapeutic, and community experience, Dr. Molakeng offered psychological clarity on issues often silently carried by men.

His input focused on:

• The emotional and behavioural struggles men suppress

• Practical tools for emotional regulation, burnout recovery, and mental resilience

• Awareness around suicide prevention

• Encouraging men to embrace vulnerability without shame

• Breaking the generational cycle of silence through intentional healing

Dr. Molakeng’s heartfelt insights resonated strongly with attendees, sparking meaningful conversations that continued long after the session ended.

A Day of Connection, Healing, and Powerful Testimony

The conference was structured into two impactful sessions (10:30–11:30 and 12:30–13:30), allowing attendees to reflect deeply and engage with the content. Across both sessions, participants echoed appreciation for the relatability, authenticity, and compassion demonstrated by all panellists.

Attendees expressed the need for more platforms like this—spaces that humanise men’s struggles while empowering them with tools to reclaim emotional and mental wellbeing.

Advancing the Movement

UnsilencedMen’s participation in this event represents a continuing commitment to:

• Advocating for men’s mental health

• Breaking stigmas around emotional expression

• Offering community-based healing spaces

• Encouraging men to find strength through vulnerability

• Building strategic partnerships that drive change

  
  

We are grateful to 1Life Insurance and Clientèle for creating this platform and for recognising the importance of men’s wellness in the workplace and beyond. Their professionalism, hospitality and dedication to meaningful conversations made this collaboration truly impactful.

Looking Forward

As UnsilencedMen, we remain committed to amplifying the voices of men who are often unheard and unseen. The Men’s Conference reminded us that healing accelerates when we come together—when men are given permission to speak, space to be vulnerable, and support to rise stronger.

We look forward to future partnerships that align with our mission to Speak. Heal. Rise.