The “State of the Boy Child” initiative aims to address the unique challenges and vulnerabilities faced by boys, particularly in underserved communities. It focuses on promoting emotional intelligence, empathy, and responsible masculinity to prevent violence and promote positive social change.
On the 12 June 2025, Hon. MGE Hendricks, Deputy Minister of Social Development delivered a State of the Boy Child: Three Year Impact Report Update.
Reporting and Recommending: Ways of Accountability
Here is an extract from his speech
‘What about the Boys?’; is a worthy and notable initiative. Even though it has managed to only reach about 60,000 boys in various areas, it has the potential to extend its footprints in both rural and urban sectors and among different sections of our society.”
We hold this event at a poignant time in the calendar of our nation. During youth month, 16th of June in 1976 School Children both girls and boys marched out of their class rooms and marched against the use of Afrikaans as medium of instruction.
Thank you to this generation for their bravery, can you imagine learning everything in Afrikaans at school.
We also hold this event after two months, since our department, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund held a successful African Children’s Summit here in Johannesburg. And, we have just closed Child Protection Month in Limpopo, last Sunday.
