On Saturday, 10 February 2024, the Department hosted a sit-down talk at JC Knoetze Community Hall, focusing on Grade 9 and 10 boys from nearby high schools.
The aim was to teach boys about dealing with gender-based violence (GBV).
This program runs in schools to make boys aware of how violence affects all vulnerable groups. Boys from different Sedibeng schools came in large numbers for the talk. Officials from various government departments like Education, Health, COGTA, and the Non-Profit Organization MIET AFRICA spoke to them.
They covered topics such as gender-based violence, drug use, bullying, and healthcare.
Khumo Kgomoeswana, from Gauteng Department of Social Development, said they also wanted to inspire boys to fight against gender-based violence.
She mentioned that bullying in schools can lead to gender-based violence. Research shows that kids exposed to violence are more likely to be violent in the future.
“In Sedibeng, drugs like Crystal are a problem. We, at Gauteng Department of Social Development, want to help the community fight drug abuse. We plan to create a Boys’ Forum with representatives from each school,” said Kgomoeswana.
“All these reps will be part of a national forum, where they can interact with reps from other schools,” she added.
Sipinare Mofokeng from COGTA said his job that day was to advise boys not to rush through life stages.
“We have different cultures. Some boys learn traditions in initiation schools, while others start drinking and smoking early. Nowadays, boys start using drugs young and disrespect elders,” said Mofokeng.
“If you don’t listen to and respect elders, you might end up doing odd jobs just to get by,” he added.
Tebogo Maepa, a Grade 9 learner, said he learned a lot from the talk and would encourage other learners to start a boys’ forum at their school.
“Our forum will grow big. I’ll make sure we reach out to local churches and boys struggling with drugs, to help them become better people in their families and communities,” said Maepa.
