By Sli Ngcobo.

• The Boys Assembly, held in the foothills of the Drakensberg in early October 2025, provided much food for thought for the youngsters attending.
• An initiative of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Social Development, the four-day assembly tackled topics from bullying to what it means to be a man, from mental health to building a strong, inclusive society.
• The assembly focused on the theme “Building young men of character: Protectors, not predators”.

The four-day camp concluded on a resounding note, providing the youngsters participating in the KwaZulu-Natal Boys Assembly with much to think about.

The camp, which took place from 5 – 8 October 2025 at the Didima Ezemvelo Wildlife Camp in the foothills of the Drakensberg, featured many impactful sessions and thought-provoking discussions.

A highlight of the event was the speech by the MEC of Social Development, Mbali Shinga, on bullying, which underscored the importance of treating others with kindness, empathy, and respect. Her message highlighted how bullying has severe and long-lasting consequences on mental health and well-being.

The MEC also urged the participants to report incidents of bullying and to support their peers.

The session aimed to raise awareness and foster a culture of inclusivity and compassion among the students.

Another key takeaway from the camp was the interactive dialogue led by counsellor Dr Ndabenhle Myeza that dealt with building a young boy into a man. The session emphasised the importance of responsibility, self-respect, and accountability, and highlighted the significance of positive role models and mentorship in shaping young minds.

The camp also reinforced the importance of adhering to a code of conduct that promotes respect, responsibility, and accountability. These values are essential for personal growth and development, and for creating a safe and supportive environment for all.

Overall, the camp provided a valuable opportunity for growth, learning, and bonding, and its impact is likely to be felt for a long time to come.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development’s director of children’s services, Buyisiwe Sophazi, delivered an inspiring message to the young participants, emphasising the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing respect, and making informed decisions.

She encouraged the participants to share the valuable knowledge they gained with others, including friends and family, thereby creating a positive impact.

Sophazi also addressed the critical issue of bullying, urging the participants to protect and support one another. She stressed the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion.

In conclusion, Sophazi offered words of wisdom, advising the participants to make wise decisions in life, cultivate self-love, and be proud of who they are.

The event ended with the DSD team presenting certificates to the participants, marking a significant achievement for the boys.