At a time when the country is facing serious challenges, such as gender-based violence (GBV), youth unemployment and a shortage of safe spaces for honest conversations, South Africa’s young people are navigating identity, relationships and social pressure, as well as expectations.

In response, a bold youth education initiative, What About the Boys 2 (WATB 2), aims to address these challenges at their roots.

WATB 2 has been launched nationally to engage young South Africans where mindsets are formed: in schools.

The programme, produced by Primestars in partnership with the YouthStart Foundation, uses a locally produced film, mentorship-led discussion and structured learner dialogue to engage Grade 9 to Grade 12 learners on themes of respect, identity, accountability, emotional health and leadership.

Building on the success of the first phase, this phase expands its scope and reach by creating inclusive spaces where boys and girls participate together. Through guided conversations, learners are encouraged to develop empathy, mutual understanding and shared responsibility – essential to building a safer, more equal and inclusive society.

As the lead sponsor of the film, Anglo American recognises that academic performance cannot be separated from a learner’s social environment, values and wellbeing.

Programme delivered in all nine provinces

Through Kumba Iron Ore, the programme will be delivered to schools in the Northern Cape, in communities where Anglo American operates.

Anglo American staff will participate as volunteer mentors, facilitating structured discussions with learners in follow-up sessions – embedding the company’s people directly in the programme’s impact.

Independent ambassador for the Living with Dignity Hub, Nozipho January-Bardill, spoke at the premiere of WATB 2 on behalf of Anglo American.

“For the first time, boys and girls will be in the room together. They will watch the same film, hear the same stories and have the same conversations. That is a deliberate act of co-creation – helping young people to understand and respect each other, and build a different future for South Africa.”

Martin Sweet, chief executive of Primestars, elaborated. “Young people are ready for these conversations. WATB 2 creates the space to have them – and to build a generation that leads with empathy, integrity and respect.”

Learner screenings at the participating schools run from 16 May to 6 June across all nine provinces through the Primestars School Screening Programme. The film is also available on Primestars Digital.

As a national programme with a long-term vision, WATB 2 aims to contribute to broader societal conversations around youth development, GBV prevention and inclusive growth.

It seeks to encourage a generation of young South Africans to lead with empathy, accountability and respect, inside and beyond the classroom.

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