Empowaworx House was alive with purpose last night as over 50 men’s organisations united for a powerful evening of discussion on how to reshape the lives of boys and men. Hosted by Empowamen, the event focused on collaborative efforts to address behaviours linked to toxic masculinity and foster a supportive network of men working to change the narrative and champion true allyship.

This gathering set the stage for the upcoming Empowamen International Men’s Day Summit, taking place on Saturday, 16th November, where diverse men’s groups—each tackling critical issues in men’s lives, from man abuse to holistic education and mentorship—will come together under one roof.

During the event, Empowamen launched its Bring Your 200 initiative, challenging leaders to bring 200 men from their networks to the Summit. The individual who secures the most attendees will win R10,000 to donate to a charity of their choice, along with an additional R5,000 to support their own cause.

With the theme Zero Suicide in Men, the Empowamen Summit has garnered the support of Metro FM, Primedia Outdoor, What About The Boys (a Primestars initiative), and #NoExcuse. Anticipating an audience of 4,000 men, the Summit will present a line-up of speakers dedicated to fostering authenticity and displaying vulnerability as strength. Esteemed actor Dr John Kani will deliver the opening keynote on Man and Identity, followed by a series of discussions exploring topics such as dad rights, mental health, divorce, spirituality, addiction, and the future of masculinity.

Empowamen Co-Founder Simphiwe Masiza remarked, “We are looking forward to hosting men who are committed to change—not only within themselves but in the communities around them. Through collaboration and connection, we can truly make a difference and empower men to be true allies.”

Registration for the Summit is free at www.empowamen.co.za. Join us and take part in what could be one of the most vital conversations of your life.

Media Accreditation and Interview Opportunities Available

Empowamen invites media representatives to cover this unprecedented gathering of men committed to rethinking masculinity and championing positive transformation. Interview opportunities with speakers, participants, and organisers are available.

For media accreditation or to schedule an interview, please contact:


Email: oupa@empowaworx.co.za
Phone: +27 73 618 4056
Website: www.empowamen.co.za

Empowaworx House was alive with purpose last night as over 50 men’s organisations united for a powerful evening of discussion on how to reshape the lives of boys and men. 

Empowaworx Hosts Inspiring Gathering of Men’s  Organisations to Drive Change for the Boy Child and Men

Recently, some messages have been circulating, claiming that any product without a barcode starting with "600" is fake or illegal. This is completely false and can confuse shoppers. Here’s the truth:

Products made or packaged in South Africa have barcodes starting with "600," thanks to GS1 South Africa. However, products from other countries will have different barcode numbers. Just because a barcode doesn’t start with "600" doesn’t mean the product is fake or illegal.

GS1 South Africa is a member organisation of GS1 Global, whose responsibility is to issue country code for barcode. These prefixes start from 1 to 9. GS1 Global has 118 member organisations around the world whose responsibility is to issue barcode for their respective country. South Africa in particular has 600-601

Companies in South Africa using the GS1 barcodes – which are issued by GS1 South Africa - are assigned a prefix based on the country code. For example, South African member companies have prefixes of 600 while for example companies in the UK have prefixes that start with 500 - 509 to confirm which country codes belong to which country visit this link https://www.gs1.org/standards/id-keys/company-prefix

While locally produced products are assigned the 600 prefix barcodes by GS1 South Africa a member organisation of GS1, there are nevertheless other imported products manufactured elsewhere with different barcode prefixes. The fact that a product barcode prefix does not start with 600 doesn’t make it counterfeit or illicit. It is important to note that GS1 is a neutral, global collaboration platform that brings industry leaders, government, regulators, academia, and associations together to develop standards-based solutions to address the challenges of data exchange and consumer safety.

Our scale and reach—local Member Organisations in 118 countries, over two million user companies and 10 billion transactions every day—helps ensure that there is a common language of business across the globe.

While we are deeply concerned about the issue of counterfeit and illicit products, especially in the food and beverage sector, it is incorrect to assume that products without the 600 prefixes are not legitimate.

GS1, a global organisation, works to make sure companies around the world use common barcode standards. This helps businesses everywhere speak the same "barcode language," ensuring safety and trust for consumers.

Each company is given a special number (called a GS1 Prefix) that appears in their barcodes. This number can show where the company is registered, but 

it doesn’t tell where the product was actually made

. For example, a company could be based in China, but their products may be made in South Africa or another country.

To make sure you’re buying genuine products, keep these tips in mind:

Look for complete labels showing the product name, ingredients, manufacturer details, including physical address, and expiration date.

Buy from reliable shops, especially for food items.

Make sure the product has proper trademarks and branding if it’s claiming to be from a specific brand.

If you suspect a product might be fake, avoid buying it and report it to the authorities.

GS1 South Africa t/a CGCSA are working on an app that will help you verify products you buy, whether from big stores, online, or informal markets. This app will help you confirm if a product is genuine. Right now, any consumer can be sure where the barcode was issued by referencing this link https://gs1za.org/solutions/verified/

Furthermore, work with companies to make sure they use GS1-approved barcodes is underway.

, CGCSA is also helping protect the food supply chain, so products get from the manufacturer to your local shops safely. Report illicit or counterfeit product on 0800 014 856.

Recently, some messages have been circulating, claiming that any product without a barcode starting with "600" is fake or illegal. This is completely false and can confuse shoppers. 

GS1 South Africa t/a Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA): Setting the Record Straight on Barcodes

 – 29 October 2024 – In a world that has invested heavily in empowering women, the importance of creating true allies and supportive counterparts in men has often been overlooked. Recognising this critical gap, the Empowamen International Men’s Day Summit 2024 will bring together 4,000 men at the Mosaiek Theatre in Fairlands, Johannesburg, for a powerful day of transformation and candid conversation.

This groundbreaking event provides a unique platform for men to unpack the roots of toxic behaviours, all within a safe space that enables vulnerability and fosters mutual accountability.

Beyond the Usual Men’s Conference – A Dynamic Movement for Change

Unlike any other men’s conference, Empowamen is built on raw, honest dialogue that cuts through surface-level topics and dives into the realities men face today. Topics ranging from mental health and sexual consent to the impact of fatherlessness, addiction, and fathers’ rights are explored with empathy and depth. It’s not simply about talking but about unpacking every nuance of masculinity in a way that encourages men to confront and reshape their beliefs, behaviours, and self-perceptions.

Addressing Crucial Issues: Zero Suicide in Men and ‘Boys Don’t Cry’

One of the most urgent topics to be addressed is suicide, which affects men disproportionately. Research indicates that men are nearly five times more likely to die by suicide than women – a statistic often driven not by greater despair, but by cultural pressures that discourage men from seeking help.

The theme of ‘Zero Suicide in Men’ serves as a rallying cry for Empowamen, challenging harmful beliefs like “boys don’t cry” and exploring how these pressures erode men’s mental health and overall well-being.

“At Empowamen, we understand that societal expectations around masculinity have harmed both men and their relationships, leaving many struggling to find safe spaces for vulnerability. This summit is a place where men are encouraged to unmask their true selves, break down harmful stereotypes, and build a new narrative together,” said Joshua Mtanyelwa, spokesperson for Empowamen.

Empowamen Delivers a Comprehensive and Transformative Experience

Designed to go beyond traditional ideas of what it means to be a man, the Summit will feature in-depth discussions led by experts in men’s health, psychology, and social justice. Through compelling keynotes, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking panels, participants will confront questions like “Does your net worth impact your self-worth?” and “How does fatherlessness affect our sons and our future?” Men will have the opportunity to confront and reframe outdated perceptions of manhood that have hindered emotional expression and stunted genuine relationships.

Creating Lasting Change: A Movement for a Healthier Masculinity

Empowamen is not merely an event; it’s a movement. By gathering 4,000 men from across the country, the Summit is set to inspire a ripple effect, impacting families, communities, and society at large. It is a place where men can embrace their authentic selves, gain insights into the roles they play in their relationships, and build a future grounded in empathy and accountability. This summit isn’t just about talk – it’s a day designed to ignite action, encourage self-reflection, and create genuine, lasting change in the way men perceive themselves and others.

Johannesburg, South Africa – 29 October 2024 – In a world that has invested heavily in empowering women, the importance of creating true allies and supportive counterparts in men has often been overlooked.

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