BOYS ENCOURAGED TO EMBRACE THEIR STRENGTHS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT KZN BOYS ASSEMBLY

By Sifiso Xulu and Bongi Shozi.

• The KwaZulu-Natal Boys Assembly at the Didima Ezemvelo Wildlife Camp in the foothills of the Drakensberg which is keeping the young participants on their toes with a multitude of engaging activities.
• ⁠A highlight was an interactive dialogue on identity, masculinity, and mental health – building young men of character.
• An initiative of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development is providing the boys with valuable insights and lessons they can carry with them long after the activities conclude.

The day at the Didima camp in the foothills of the Drakensberg began bright and early with an invigorating hike that got a group of boys moving and energised.

As they made their way along the scenic trails, the youngsters were treated to stunning views of the world-renowned mountains in the uThukela district, which provided the perfect backdrop as the boys flexed their muscles and enjoyed the fresh morning air.

The group is participating in the KwaZulu-Natal Boys Assembly, taking place from 5 to 8 October 2025 at the Didima Ezemvelo Wildlife Camp, which keeps all the young men on their toes with a multitude of engaging activities.

The initiative, under the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development, is taking place under the theme ‘Building young men of character: Protectors, not predators’.

A variety of activities unfolded throughout the third day of the gathering, each designed to foster growth and understanding among the participants.

One of the highlights was an interactive dialogue led by counsellor Dr Ndabenhle Myeza, who focused on topics such as identity, masculinity, and mental health.

During the session, the boys were given a new, empowering name – Qhawe – which means hero in isiZulu, and is aimed at encouraging them to embrace their strengths and responsibilities.

In addition, a conversation around substance abuse was a significant part of the agenda, with talks by the department’s J Mnisi from the Population Policy Promotion Unit providing insight into the development of a boy and girl child in society.

Amaqhawe discovered the difficulties that young boys encounter when they get involved in sexual activities too early, such as teenage pregnancies and issues related to sexual health.

Department programmes, under the leadership of SP Khowa from the Youth Directorate, highlighted the importance of providing support and resources to help the young boys grow into formidable men.

The provincial Boys Assembly at Didima is not simply an event, but an empowering experience for young men, providing them with valuable insights and lessons that they can carry with them long after the activities conclude.

Day 3 concluded with the boys participating in structured outdoor activities, striking a healthy balance between learning and playtime for sound mental health.