Deputy Minister of Social Development Honourable Ganief Hendricks launched the world’s first Boy child Parliament at Stellenbosch University this weekend.
This marks a significant step towards empowering the boy child in South Africa. The two-day event, held on the 18-19 October, 2025, brought together boys from across the country to discuss critical issues affecting them, including HIV prevention and gender-based violence.
Addressing the gathering as a keynote speaker, Deputy Minister of Social Development Mr Ganief Hendricks encouraged the boys to seize this opportunity.
“I would want to describe this event as ‘a very special occasion’; it is one that reminds me of the time when I was a boy child when I and many others did not have the chances,” said the Deputy Minister.
Hendricks added, “If we did not enjoy the opportunities that you have today. You and many across our country have the chance to fully participate in platforms such as the one that we are launching here.”
Hendricks’ sentiments were shared by 16-year-old Western Cape Chairperson for Sport Stepping Stones, Abonile Yantolo, who highlighted the importance of including the boy child in youth empowerment initiatives.
“I am happy that the Department of Social Development and the Men’s Sector Forum have established this Boys Parliament; it will assist us to be included in the law-making processes of the country about a boy child’s needs and interests,” he detailed.
Yantolo also updated the National Boys Parliament on the some of the challenges faced by boys in South Africa, particularly regarding initiation schools.
“Here in the Western Cape and in many parts of our country, boys are forced to honour and attend initiation schools against their will. Sadly, no one is prepared to recognise the silent voices of those boys who are not happy with these traditional rites, which, at times, turn out to be tragic for a boy child,” he highlighted.
The launch’s theme, #BetterMan4Tomorrow, aims to uplift the boy child and is the result of collaborative efforts led by the SANAC (South African National Aids Council) Men’s Sector, Men’s Forums, the Office of the South African Deputy President, and the National Department of Social Development.
