DELMAS – The Delmas First Youth kicked off a series of boys’ talks at Phaphamani Secondary School on October 16, 2024, with the second engagement held at Botleng High, followed by Swartklip Combined, and concluding at Sundra High, with Mafa Max Motloung Secondary pending a new date due to postponement.
Delmas First Youth’s inaugural “Boys Talk” programme, hosted at Phaphamani Secondary School, was a significant step in empowering young males by providing them with a supportive platform to voice their concerns and collaborate on solutions for community betterment. The event was held under the theme “Manners Maketh Man,” highlighting the importance of discipline and manners as foundational elements of personal growth and self-discovery.
The programme emphasised the significance of acknowledging and managing emotions, recognising that men, too, have emotional needs and should not shy away from expressing vulnerability. The Zulu phrase “indoda iyikhala,” meaning “a man does not cry,” was a central message, encouraging participants to break free from restrictive stereotypes and embrace emotional honesty as a strength rather than a weakness.
Pastor Phillip Mngwevu, who motivated the young men of Phaphamani Secondary, spoke about his contribution to the initiative. “My contribution to this initiative focuses on the spiritual development of young men. I believe it’s crucial for them to understand that they are not just physical beings but spiritual ones too,” he stated. “There’s always a spirit influencing their actions, whether good or bad. It’s important for young men to recognise this and ensure they are guided by positive influences. Our goal is to inspire men to think better, act better, and cultivate good character and manners throughout their lives,” he added.
The convenor of Delmas First Youth, Patrick Ngoma, emphasised their plans to groom young men. “As we communicate with the youth, especially during dance conferences, our goal is to groom young people into responsible adults. To achieve this, we aim to engage boys who are still in school, particularly those in secondary school, and equip them with the skills to become great men who positively contribute to their society,” he emphasised.
Xolani Sibiya, a Nkangala District COSAS Coordinator, commented on the boys’ talk conference. “We were invited as COSAS because of the misbehaviour of boys in the school, so our aim is to ensure there is a relationship between the teachers and learners, so that they can be productive in the classroom. Since most of the issues faced by the boys are discussed, I believe they won’t express problems in schools or engage in unlawful behaviour,” he commented.
