Noko Mashilo
The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) Men’s Sector will next week host a landmark Boys Assembly in Piketberg, Western Cape.
The event will bring together 500 boys from the Bergrivier Local Municipality. It forms part of a national drive to empower young men and address the social challenges affecting their future.
The two-day assembly will take place on 6 and 7 July. It is being hosted in partnership with the Department of Social Development, the Department of Defence, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Bergrivier Municipality and other stakeholders involved in the country’s HIV, TB and STI response.
Senior leaders expected to engage with participants include Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks of Social Development, Deputy Minister Major-General Bantu Holomisa of Defence, NCOP Deputy Chairperson Les Govender and Bergrivier Executive Mayor Alderman Ray van Rooy.
Speaking to The News Desk, SANAC Men’s Sector National Chairperson Beau Nkaelang said the assembly will provide a platform for boys to openly discuss issues affecting their lives.
These include school dropout, unemployment, substance abuse, gangsterism, gender-based violence and HIV prevention.
He added that the Piketberg assembly follows concerns raised earlier this year during Deputy Minister Hendricks’ Integrated Community Registration and Outreach Programme (ICROP) visit to the area. During the visit, community stakeholders highlighted the urgent need for targeted interventions focusing on boys.
Organisers believe the assembly will provide a safe space for boys to develop leadership skills. It will also promote gender equality, improve access to health services and encourage participants to become active contributors to their communities.
The first day of the programme will be held at the United Reformed Church in Piketberg from 08:00 to 15:00. The second day will take place at Steynville Primary School from 08:00 to 17:00.
A total of 500 boys from communities across the Bergrivier Municipality are expected to participate. Organisers have described the event as a significant milestone for youth development and social transformation in the Western Cape.