By 
WELKOM, FREE STATE — In a major push to promote positive masculinity and fortify family structures, the Free State Department of Social Development recently convened a critical Boys and Men Dialogue at the Kingdom Ministries Church in Welkom.
Led by Social Development MEC Mathabo Hlalele, the event—themed “Lighting the Path: A Rite of Passage for Boys into Respectful Manhood”—brought together young boys, fathers, mentors, and community leaders to confront the challenges facing modern masculinity and redefine the male role in society.
The Mirror of Mentorship
Delivering the keynote address, MEC Hlalele emphasized that shaping the next generation requires active, lived examples rather than mere rhetoric.
“Our boys learn from what they see long before they listen to what we say,” Hlalele stated. “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.”
While acknowledging the role of academic institutions, Hlalele firmly placed the primary responsibility for moral instruction on the household, noting that core values like discipline, honesty, respect, and compassion must be cultivated at home before a child ever enters a classroom.
Breaking the Cycle of Trauma
A central pillar of the dialogue was addressing the often-taboo subject of men’s mental and emotional health. Hlalele linked unresolved personal trauma directly to broader societal issues, urging men to reject the stigma surrounding vulnerability.
“There is strength in asking for help,” she urged, reminding attendees that the Department of Social Development offers free professional counseling and support services to help men process childhood trauma and anger before it manifests as harm within families and communities.
Furthermore, the MEC delivered a poignant message on the permanence of paternal duty, stating that while romantic relationships may dissolve, “fatherhood never ends.” She challenged fathers to remain present in their children’s lives to prevent the emotional fractures that disrupt future generations.
Empowering the Youth
Directing her attention to the young men in attendance, Hlalele urged them to prioritize education and make deliberate, wise life choices. In a bid to foster civic responsibility, she invited the youth to join the “Social Work Pioneers” initiative—a program providing training and hands-on community development experience alongside departmental social workers.
The multi-sectoral event featured insights from psychologists, social workers, the National Prosecuting Authority, and the Safer South Africa Foundation. Educational sessions tackled hard-hitting issues, including substance abuse prevention, gender equality, the concept of consent, and the eradication of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
A Symbolic Passing of the Torch
The summit culminated in a powerful “Boys to Men Pledge,” where youths committed to upstanding citizenship and older men vowed to act as dedicated mentors. This was visually sealed during a symbolic candle-lighting ceremony, where mentors lit the candles of their mentees to represent the generational transfer of wisdom, hope, and responsibility.
By investing directly in the emotional and moral development of young boys today, the Free State Department of Social Development aims to secure a safer, more compassionate future for the entire province.
