Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong has called on families, communities and society at large to place greater emphasis on nurturing the boy child, warning that early intervention is critical for building safer and more cohesive communities.
Morolong said boys must be guided from a young age to understand responsibility, respect and accountability.
“We must teach boys, from an early age, that actions have consequences, that respect is not a sign of weakness but of strength; that discipline is an act of self-love and that power, in all its forms, must always be accompanied by responsibility,” the Deputy Minister said.
He was speaking on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the Boys and Men Parliament held at the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature on Thursday.
Using the metaphor of early pruning, Morolong explained that shaping behaviour early in life reduces the need for severe correction later on. He emphasised that this responsibility does not rest only with families.
“This responsibility extends far beyond individual households. It is a collective duty that speaks directly to the future of our families, the stability of our communities, and the moral fabric of our nation.”
Morolong warned that failing to guide boys early could result in serious social challenges that might otherwise be prevented through positive role modelling, consistent guidance and compassionate leadership.
He praised the role of the National Men and Boys Parliament in addressing some of South Africa’s most pressing social issues.
“It is therefore commendable that, through the National Men and Boys Parliament, an initiative that began with a march through the streets of Cape Town, you have taken decisive leadership in engaging men and boys in combating gender-based violence, promoting health, and advancing socio economic development.
“Working in partnership with other men’s formations, this Parliament continues to play an active role in transforming societal attitudes. This helps in addressing the challenges of HIV and AIDS, and fostering responsible and ethical leadership among men, all in pursuit of safer and more cohesive communities,” Morolong said.
He added that the Men and Boys Parliament and its partners continue to promote positive masculinity, accountability and collective action as key drivers of sustainable and inclusive communities.
“It lies with men who are prepared to champion HIV prevention, not as a technical discussion, but as a matter of dignity, responsibility and life itself.
“Men who understand that protecting one’s health is not a sign of weakness, but an act of courage towards your partners, your children and your communities.
“A masculinity that rejects violence, rejects entitlement to women’s bodies, and rejects the false notion that strength is proven through harm. True strength is demonstrated through restraint, respect, and responsibility.”
Morolong said society will continue to face the consequences of neglect if boys are not raised to value equality, compassion and respect.
“Our hope lies with men who are resolute in bringing about an end to gender-based violence and femicide [GBVF]. Therefore, men must be at the forefront of ending it.
“Women, children, older persons, and other vulnerable groups should never live in fear due to the scourge of GBVF, which is predominantly perpetrated by men.”
He concluded by saying that meaningful and lasting change begins with individuals who are willing to challenge harmful norms, model responsible behaviour and actively protect the dignity and lives of women, children and communities.
Additional reporting from SA News.
