MASCULINITY REIMAGINED: PROTECTING THE FUTURE BY SUPPORTING THE BOY CHILD

By Cuma Pantshwa.

• Transforming masculinity at the Grassroots – The What About the Boys? initiative aims to change the way South Africa raises boys by promoting emotional intelligence, empathy, and a model of masculinity intended to prevent future violence.
• The programme spotlighted strong calls from Deputy Ministers for structured support and collaboration to expand the programme’s reach and impact, especially in mentoring young men across communities.
• Inclusivity and Intersectionality in Focus -A powerful message from Deputy Minister Letsike broadened the dialogue to queer youth, urging society to confront intersectional oppression and uphold dignity for all identities.

As South Africa continues its struggle against the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV), a powerful national initiative titled What About the Boys? is challenging the status quo and reimagining how the country nurtures its sons.
Hosted today at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in Sandton, the unveiling of the State of the Boy Child 3-Year Impact Report marked a pivotal milestone for Primestars and the YouthStart Foundation. Launched in 2022, the programme was envisioned as a national, preventative GBV intervention aimed at reshaping gender dynamics from the ground up.
Skillfully steered by moderator Thato T. Mba, the forum united civil society, government representatives, educators, subject-matter experts, and young men in a collective space for dialogue, reflection, and recommitment. At the heart of the occasion was a shared dedication to investing in the emotional well-being of boys and building safe, inclusive communities where dignity is a non-negotiable right for all.
“What About the Boys? is not just a campaign—it’s a movement to raise a generation of good men,” declared Martin Sweet, Managing Director of Primestars, during his powerful opening address. “South Africa’s harrowing GBV statistics tell us that change must start at the grassroots—especially with boys.”
Sweet emphasized the urgency of re-evaluating traditional masculinity, which often compels boys to suppress vulnerability, distrust emotional connection, and equate power with domination. “We teach boys that emotion is weakness… Yet it’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men,” he noted, quoting Frederick Douglass.
The programme’s measurable impact—detailed in the report—was shared throughout the gathering, underscoring the transformation made possible when boys are mentored with compassion and intention.
Delivering a heartfelt keynote address, Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mr Ganief Hendricks, who received the impact report on behalf of government alongside a GCIS representative, commended the initiative.
“This project is laudable,” said Hendricks. “It may not have entirely redefined how boys are raised, but it has paved a powerful path from which others can learn and be inspired.”
Reflecting on Youth Day (June 16) and Child Protection Month, Hendricks highlighted the evolving landscape of violence affecting youth—including a concerning increase in elder abuse, often perpetrated by young men. He urged government and civil society to expand the programme’s reach, strengthen partnerships, and develop structured, sustained support systems for boys nationwide.
“Our department must join hands to ensure the boy child is mentored, guided, and empowered—so he can grow into a leader rooted in Ubuntu.”
Following his remarks, attention shifted to the screen, where Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Mapaseka Letsike, delivered a poignant message that widened the conversation to include the safety and rights of queer youth.
“We are painfully reminded of this by the lives of Yurisi Medani, Nakaoro Nwagwaza, Imam Mohsen Hendrik, Pamela Mabini, and so many others who were brutally violated… simply for living openly,” she said.
Letsike called for intersectional justice, where the rights of queer youth are understood within a broader context that includes race, class, gender, disability, faith, and geography.
“A queer youth in a rural village, a queer woman with a disability, a queer person of faith—all navigate deeply layered marginalization,” she stressed.
She challenged every sector—government, civil society, religious institutions, and families—to reject all forms of discrimination and work towards creating a genuinely inclusive democracy.
“You, as queer people, belong to South Africa. This country is your home. There is no space for hate in our democracy.”
Throughout the programme, a singular, urgent theme echoed: to end violence, we must raise boys with empathy, redefine masculinity, and build a society where every person—regardless of gender identity—feels seen, safe, and valued.
Now supported by over 35 organizations across the public, private, and civil society sectors, What About the Boys? has evolved into a dynamic, multi-sectoral movement. From corporate sponsors to community mentors, the initiative is living proof that collective effort is key to dismantling the deeply entrenched social ills that continue to plague South Africa.