YOUNG DELEGATE’S VOICE SETS THE TONE AT NATIONAL MEN AND BOYS PARLIAMENT

By Pricilla Seamelando

• ⁠Building a safer South Africa begins with shaping the values of boys today so they become the responsible men of tomorrow is the clear message being delivered by the fifth National Men and Boys Parliament.
• The Parliament, taking place in KwaZulu-Natal, serves as a national platform for men and boys to engage on social challenges, including gender-based violence, men’s health, social cohesion and positive masculinity.
• ⁠“We must raise accountable boys and build responsible men, men who lead and protect their communities,” 15-year-old delegate Sisekelo Khumalo told the gathering on 5 February 2026.

When 15-year-old Sisekelo Khumalo from Umkhanyakude District in the far north of KwaZulu-Natal rose to speak, the chamber in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature where the fifth National Men and Boys Parliament was taking place grew quiet.

On 5 February 2026, the young delegate addressed fellow participants with confidence, presenting his action plan for the boy child and challenging boys to rethink how they treat one another and the communities around them.

“We are human, with the same feelings. Treat each other equally and own up to our rights and responsibilities,” he said.

Speaking about cyber safety, peer pressure and gender-based violence, Khumalo urged boys to correct harmful behaviour among themselves and lead positive change.

“We must raise accountable boys and build responsible men, men who lead and protect their communities.”

His message captured the purpose of the National Men and Boys Parliament, where young voices were placed at the centre of discussions on masculinity, responsibility and social change.

The Parliament forms part of the Better Men 4 Tomorrow campaign endorsed by Deputy President Paul Mashatile and supported by the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) Men’s Sector, together with the Department of Social Development and other partners.

It serves as a national platform for men and boys to engage on social challenges, including gender-based violence, men’s health, social cohesion and positive masculinity.

Organisers say the initiative recognises that achieving equality requires more than laws; it requires a shift in attitudes and behaviour.

By engaging boys early, the programme creates safe spaces for mentorship, dialogue and peer learning, guiding them to grow into respectful and responsible men who contribute positively to their families and communities.

Beyond dialogue, the Parliament aims to produce measurable change by expanding participation of boys nationwide, strengthening mentorship networks partnering boys with positive male role models, and improving understanding of respectful relationships among participants.

The programme also seeks to reduce risky behaviours such as violence, substance abuse and crime while encouraging leadership and community involvement among young men.

As applause filled the chamber after his speech, Khumalo returned to his seat, his words lingering.

For many in attendance, the message was clear: building a safer society begins with shaping the values of boys today so they become the responsible men of tomorrow.