As South Africa prepares to honour Nelson Mandela on July 18, humanitarian and award-winning social change-maker Dr Mmatepeng Temane is spearheading a transformative initiative that addresses what she refers to as “the invisible crisis” facing boys in community and youth programmes.
Through Temane's newly established Boys Leading Change programme, she aspires to cultivate responsible young men who can actively contribute to their communities and tackle pressing societal issues.
“While we've made tremendous strides in empowering girls – and rightly so – we've inadvertently created a blind spot around boys. Our goal is for Boys Leading Change to not only benefit the youth of South Africa but to inspire a global movement where boys from diverse backgrounds can connect, learn, and lead.”
“We are intentional in grooming boys that will grow into responsible men and take on the crucial role of father figures, which is essential to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and mitigate the heartache caused by fatherlessness. This initiative is about much more than just South Africa – it aims to transform communities across the globe.”
The Boys Leading Change programme is already expanding its reach beyond South Africa’s borders, with a burgeoning presence in Malawi. Having secured official registration with the Zomba City Council in December 2024, the programme is poised to launch in the region soon, showcasing its potential for international growth.
Temane urges South Africans to embrace Nelson Mandela’s legacy of service by recognising that fostering better communities requires investment in all children, including boys who have often been overlooked.
It is explained that the heart of the programme lies in its annual Boys Leadership and Adventure Camp. This transformative experience allows young men to delve into their identities, hone leadership capabilities, and forge significant connections with their peers. The camp’s key features include:
Self-Discovery: Opportunities for boys to uncover their unique talents and potential.
Leadership Development: Training in practical skills designed to nurture change-makers.
Adventure-Based Learning: Engaging outdoor activities to bolster confidence and team spirit.
Mentorship: Guidance from positive male role models who serve as father figures.
Global Community: Cultural exchanges with boys from various countries to broaden perspectives.
GBV Prevention: Training focused on respect, responsibility, and fostering healthy relationships.
Healing Fatherlessness: Addressing the emotional toll stemming from absent father figures.
Such initiatives have already drawn considerable attention within the educational sector, with two Department of Education districts backing the programme's rollout in schools.
Saturday Star