Mighty Men Cape Flats event set to unite 30,000 men in Athlone

In a landmark moment for Cape Town, 30,000 men are expected to gather at Athlone Stadium on 1 November 2025 for the first ever Mighty Men Cape Flats event. This free gathering marks a significant response to the rampant gang violence and societal challenges that have plagued the Cape Flats for decades, sending a resounding message that the time for change has come.

Around 200 church and community leaders convened at Athlone Stadium recently to lay the groundwork for this extraordinary event aimed at fostering hope and healing in prevailing broken communities. Organised as a part of Radio Tygerberg 104FM’s “Healing the City” initiative, which was launched in 2024 following a grim local newspaper report highlighting the deaths of 121 individuals in just two weeks due to gang violence, the Mighty Men event seeks to reclaim the spirit of the city.

“We simply could not remain silent any longer,” said Hardus Zevenster, CEO of the Bloudruk Group.

“The loss of life and pain on the Cape Flats deeply moved us. This Mighty Men Cape Flats event is a response to the cry of the community.” His sentiments echo the desperation for action, a sentiment that has woven itself into the fabric of Cape Flats society.

A program filled with inspiration and hope

The gathering promises a host of inspirational speakers, many of whom are intimately familiar with the struggles endemic to gang-affected areas. Prominent media personality and author Johnny Davids and Ivor Swartz, a fellow author and pastor, are set to deliver powerful messages on the day. The keynote address will be delivered by world-renowned evangelist Angus Buchan, who last graced the stages of Mitchells Plain in 2018. Although Buchan has reduced his speaking engagements in recent years, he felt compelled to play a role in this event.

“I truly believe that the men of Cape Town have the potential to lead their families and communities toward healing and restoration,” Buchan commented. “This movement reminds men of their God-given purpose.” His return to Cape Town is seen as a pivotal moment for rallying the male population towards positive community leadership.

Music will serve as a heartbeat of the gathering, with Neville D, a beloved breakfast show host on Radio Tygerberg and Grammy-nominated artist, leading the musical programme, flanked by a band and an astonishing 100-man choir. This eclectic mix of spirituality and entertainment aims to uplift and inspire, creating a profound sense of unity among attendees.

A united front

The Mighty Men Cape Flats gathering is a result of fervent requests from church and community leaders, in collaboration with Radio Tygerberg 104FM, striving to find feasible solutions for their communities. Other community stations, such as CCFM and Disa FM, are aiding in mobilising their listeners to ensure a strong turnout for this event on 1 November.

“Life on the Cape Flats is relentless. The violence, the loss of life, the trauma that unfolds daily devastates families and our community,” said Pastor Theo Roman of the Open Assemblies of God Church. A passionate advocate for social upliftment, Pastor Roman expressed hopes that this gathering would equip men to rediscover their roles as leaders, fathers, and role models, facilitating the growth of healthier families and stronger communities.

Event details

• Date: 1 November 2025
• Time: 14:00 – 20:00 (Gates open at 12:00)
• Venue: Athlone Stadium, Cape Town
• Expected Attendance: 30,000 men
• Cost: Free (Booking required at itickets.co.za)