Boys, stand up and be counted
The Community Development Foundation of South Africa (Codefsa) held its inaugural National Boy Day on May 27.
The launch was held at the Daveyton Youth Centre, under the theme “Nurturing our boys for a brighter future”.
This will be an annual event celebrated across the country.
Some 200 boys were given a one-hour mentorship session on the day with a male member of Codefsa mentoring a group of 20 boys.
Codefsa’s director, Nkululeko Nxesi, said the day celebrated and showed appreciation to boy children.
“It is a platform for men to nurture and dialogue with boys on positive norms and values,” said Nxesi.
“Another objective is to raise awareness about violence against women, children and the elderly.”
Nxesi said the day encouraged respect from boys and men and aimed to promote peace at home and in society.
“The younger boys were also educated on the dangers of crime and substance and alcohol abuse,” he said.
On the day, the boys were motivated by speakers, including Msizi Masoja (better known as Nkunzi in Uzalo) and Siyabonga Nkosi (a former Kaizer Chiefs player), and entertained by various musicians and poets.
Nkosi, one of the mentors, shared words of wisdom with the youngsters.
He said he used to walk 15 kilometres to school and, while he walked, he used to create a dream of becoming a soccer player in his head.
“This motivated me to workout to make my dream a reality,” said Nkosi.
“As a young person, you need to identify your dream and picture it in your head.”
Nkosi said people must always protect their dream, nurture it and not allow anything to break it.
“Most importantly, focus on school and learn to balance this with your dream,” he said.
Nxesi said this event comes at a time when violence against women and children is on the rise in the country.
“Every man and boy must take a stand against women and child abuse.”
Kathlego Primary School educator Thulani Sibisi said young boys should take three things from the event: leadership, respect and what it entails to be a man.
“Respect starts at home so respect your own mother first so you can respect other women as well,” said Sibisi.
“Being fatherless doesn’t mean you won’t be a father one day.”
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