07/07/2026
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MEC HLALELE CHAMPIONS RESPECTFUL MANHOOD AT BOYS AND MEN DIALOGUES IN WELKOM
WELKOM, FREE STATE – 07 July 2026 – The Free State Department of Social Development has intensified its efforts to promote positive masculinity and strengthen family values through a Boys and Men Dialogue hosted at Kingdom Ministries Church in Welkom.
Led by MEC Mathabo Hlalele, the dialogue was held under the theme, "Lighting the Path: A Rite of Passage for Boys into Respectful Manhood," bringing together boys, fathers, mentors, community leaders and various stakeholders to discuss the critical role men play in shaping the next generation.
The event created a platform for open conversations on responsible fatherhood, mentorship, emotional well-being and the importance of instilling values that guide boys into becoming respectful, responsible and compassionate men.
Delivering the keynote address, MEC Hlalele urged men to recognise that their actions have a lasting influence on young boys.
"Our boys learn from what they see long before they listen to what we say. If we want to raise responsible men, then today's fathers and male role models must preserve their own dignity, lead with respect and demonstrate the values they expect young boys to follow," she said.
She stressed that while schools contribute significantly to children's development, the responsibility of teaching values begins at home.
"Parents must take responsibility for teaching moral values before children enter the classroom," she said, adding that discipline, honesty, respect and compassion are first learned within the family.
The MEC also highlighted the importance of addressing men's mental and emotional health, encouraging those struggling with unresolved trauma to seek professional support.
"There is strength in asking for help. Many men carry unresolved childhood trauma and anger that eventually affects their families and communities. The Department of Social Development provides professional counselling and support services free of charge, and I encourage every man who needs help to make use of these services," she said.
Speaking about fatherhood, Hlalele reminded men that their responsibility to their children extends beyond personal relationships.
"A relationship may end, but fatherhood never ends. Every child deserves the love, guidance and presence of their father. Building meaningful relationships with your children today helps prevent the emotional wounds that often affect future generations," she said.
Addressing the boys, the MEC encouraged them to remain committed to their education, make wise choices and stay focused on achieving their goals.
She also invited young people to volunteer as Social Work Pioneers, where they will receive training and work alongside departmental social workers while contributing to community development initiatives.
The dialogue featured presentations from psychologists, social workers, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Safer South Africa Foundation, motivational speaker Dr Masekwane and a drama performance by USA Production from Allenridge. Discussions covered responsible fatherhood, substance abuse prevention, education, behavioural conduct, gender equality, consent and the prevention of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.
One of the event's most memorable moments was the Boys to Men Pledge, during which boys committed themselves to becoming respectful citizens while men pledged to serve as mentors and positive role models. The symbolic candle-lighting ceremony, where mentors lit candles for their mentees, represented the passing of wisdom, hope, responsibility and positive values from one generation to the next.
The dialogue reaffirmed the Free State Department of Social Development's commitment to strengthening families and building safer communities by investing in boys today, with the goal of nurturing a generation of respectful, responsible and compassionate men who will positively shape the future of the province.
✨A Free State that works for all. ✨
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