Stakeholders committed to promoting safer communities and proactive interventions hosted a camp for 30 boys from 27th to 30th November at Tobotshana locality in Butterworth.
The four-day programme coordinated by the K’sasalezwe Boy Child Programme focused on critical issues such as faction fights among boys, crime, and gender-based violence.
“Because of the spike in uncontrollable faction fights across villages, especially during initiation season, we saw it befitting to host such a programme. We educated the boys and young men in attendance on the dangers of getting involved in violence and unrest and also warned them of the consequences of such behaviour, such as physical injuries, criminal records, and even loss of life,” said Sibongakonke Toli, one of the coordinators of the programme.
He said that they are hoping for positive results and good behavioural changes amongst the boys and wish to continue with this positive initiative.
Sixteen-year-old Endinako Nyila from Mzantsi told the Express that he learnt a lot by being part of the programme. “We were taught respect, self-conduct, and accountability,” he said. The camp was an eye-opening experience.
“I got a wake-up call during our short supervised visit to prison for a bit of education on prison life. I got a glimpse of the impact of making bad choices. I will now live in accordance with moral standards.”
