Safer South Africa Foundation champions young boys stepping up for change

In a nation grappling with the weighty challenges of youth unemployment, crime, and social dislocation, one group often overlooked in the public discourse is the boy child. On Thursday, February 12, the Safer South Africa Foundation shone a spotlight on this critical issue by hosting a Communities & Justice Programme Awards Ceremony at Pinetown Boys' High School. The event recognised 119 boys who have chosen a different, more constructive path in life.

The Communities & Justice Programme aims to instill discipline, accountability, empathy, and a robust sense of social responsibility in young men during their formative years. For many participants, the initiative provided not just lessons, but a guiding framework, structure, and a beacon of hope amid the tumult they face in their daily lives.

“Too often, the boy child is expected to figure life out on his own, without the emotional support, mentorship, or safe spaces he needs,” explained Lt. General M. Ngobeni (Ret.), KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Co-ordinator for the Safer South Africa Foundation. “This programme is about saying to our boys: you matter, your choices matter, and your future matters to South Africa. When we invest in our boys, we invest in safer communities and a stronger nation.”

The ceremony, hosted at Pinetown Boys' High, underscores the essential role that educational institutions play in cultivating responsible citizens beyond the classroom. This partnership forms a crucial pillar in the local community, creating a nurturing environment for boys to learn and grow.

Among the 119 boys celebrated at the event, many encounter daily pressures tied to violence, substance abuse, peer influence, and a notable lack of positive male role models. Through structured mentorship and engagement, the programme motivates these young boys to envision themselves not as mere statistics, but as influential leaders and valuable contributors to society.

Siphiwe E. Mthembu, a teacher at the school, attested to the transformative impact of the programme. “Partnering with Safer South Africa has profoundly made it possible to change the position and significance of men in our society as we refine the minds of young men. We truly believe that our society, through this partnership, is in safe hands. We see a marked difference in how these boys carry themselves — exhibiting improved discipline, respect for others, and a burgeoning belief in their own potential,” he said.

As South Africa continues to seek solutions to the escalating tide of crime and social instability, the Communities & Justice Programme serves as a powerful reminder that prevention must begin at an early stage in life. By guiding boys before they are lost to the streets, despair, or violence, the Foundation is investing in a brighter future for all.

The Awards Ceremony not only celebrated the achievements of these young men but also acted as a clarion call: to recognise the boy child, to support him, and to accompany him on his journey towards becoming a staunch protector of families, communities, and the nation as a whole.

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