Media Advisory
20 November 2021
The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ms Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, and MEC of the Department of Social Development in Free State province, Ms Mamiki Qabate in partnership with Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement will host a Boys Assembly in the Free State Province on 20 November 2021.
The intervention forms part of the Boys and Men Championing Change programmes which are implemented under the banner of the South African National Aids Council (SANAC) Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement.
The initiatives are anchored in the belief that achieving gender equality is about transforming unequal power and gender relations between men and women. This involves open and non-judgmental dialogues that challenge the notions of masculinity and traditional perceptions of manhood.
Through these programmes, boys and men are encouraged to question power dynamics in their actions at individual and collective levels and to take responsibility of being change agents. The programmes engage boys and men as gender advocates who speak out against harmful “social norms” and cultural practices that perpetuate gender stereotypes, risky sexual behaviours and gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
The Boys Assembly is also central to the implementation of the President’s Emergency Action on Gender-Based Violence and seeks to challenge patriarchy, unmasking the concept of toxic masculinity and the negative aspects of traditional ideas of what it means to be a “real man”.
The Boys Assembly will bring together boys between 15-24 years from across the Free State Province. The delegates are from the religious sector and traditional leadership under the theme: “Institutionalising a Responsive Men’s Movement”.
In terms of the National Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS, TB and STIs, the Department of Social Development is responsible for the implementation of Goal 4, which seeks to address social and structural drivers of HIV, TB & STIs.
The Boys Assembly forms part of the build-up activities of the 16 Days for No Violence against Women and Children campaign which is commemorated between 25 November and 10 December under the theme; “Women’s Economic Justice for Non-violent and Non-Sexist South Africa”.
This campaign seeks to mobilise all South Africans and social partners across the country to play their part by partnering with Government and civil society to address GBVF and its rippling effects.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the events arranged as follows:
Date: Saturday, 20 November 2021
Time: 09h30
Venue: Dr Rantlai Petrus Molemela Stadium, Moshoeshoe St (Cnr Thakalekoala & Tsekeletsa Strs - Rocklands, Bloemfontein - Free State Province
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5mEif68uHs
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/SocialDevelopmentZA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_DSD
Media can RSVP by contacting Ms Makhosazana Mavuso on 072 732 9381/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Ms Nomfundo Xulu-Lentsoane on 066 480 6845 / e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Media enquiries may be directed to Lumka Oliphant on 083 484 8067 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
