Durban: Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong has highlighted the urgent need for families, communities, and society to invest more in nurturing the boy child to ensure a stable and morally sound future.
According to South African Government News Agency, Morolong emphasized this while speaking on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the Boys and Men Parliament held at the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature. He pointed out the importance of teaching boys from an early age that actions have consequences and that respect and discipline are crucial aspects of personal growth and societal responsibility.
Morolong likened the early nurturing of boys to pruning a tree, which helps shape it into a strong and balanced form, thus reducing the need for drastic corrections later in life. He stressed that this responsibility extends beyond individual households, highlighting it as a collective duty that impacts the future of families, community stability, and the nation's moral fabric.
He warned of the challenges society may face if boys are not properly guided early in life, noting that consistent guidance and positive role modeling are essential. The National Men and Boys Parliament, which began with a march in Cape Town, serves as a platform for engaging men and boys in combating gender-based violence, promoting health, and advancing socio-economic development.
Morolong praised the Parliament's partnership with other men's formations in transforming societal attitudes, addressing challenges like HIV and AIDS, and fostering responsible leadership. He underscored the importance of positive masculinity, accountability, and collective action in building sustainable, peaceful, and inclusive communities.
He called on men to champion HIV prevention as a matter of dignity and life, highlighting that protecting one's health is an act of courage. Morolong also rejected notions of violence and entitlement, advocating for strength through restraint, respect, and responsibility.
He concluded by stressing the importance of raising boys to value equality, compassion, and respect to avoid the negative consequences of neglect. Morolong urged men to lead the fight against gender-based violence and femicide, ensuring that women, children, and vulnerable groups live without fear.