By Noko Mashilo
Shaydon Bezuidenhout (16) is a passionate young parliamentarian from the National Boys’ Parliament, launched during the 4th National Men’s Parliament under the Men’s Sector’s Better Man 4 Tomorrow programme.
Bezuidenhout is calling on boys across South Africa to rise as advocates for change and resist the temptations that derail their potential.
Speaking during both days of the parliamentary sitting on the 18 and 19 October 2025 at Stellenbosch University’s Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) in Western Cape, the young leader urged his peers to be the burning flame that ignites the dead lamps, a powerful metaphor for rekindling hope, purpose, and responsibility among young men.
He also emphasized that boys must choose freedom with accountability, stand firmly against drugs, and challenge destructive social norms that continue to shape a lost generation.
Born in Klerksdorp, North West, and now residing in the Northern Cape, Grade 10 learner Shaydon Bezuidenhout from Roodepan High School in Kimberley believes boys in the province face many challenges, whether at home, in school, or within their communities.
“Some of these challenges lead to substance abuse, aggression, and anger, which in turn cause many boys to drop out of school due to poor choices and a lack of guidance,” said Bezuidenhout, who aspires to become a chartered accountant after completing Grade 12.
Citing data from the National Institute of Health, he highlighted the alarming rate of substance abuse among young boys in the Northern Cape, some as young as eight years old. “Many boys say they turn to drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms. This is the harsh reality we face,” he explained.
Bezuidenhout listed several root causes behind substance abuse like the absence of proper role models, families headed by single mothers, boys growing up without fathers, and harmful cultural or traditional norms all play a role.
He believes the solution starts with emotional honesty. “Boys must learn to express their feelings. It doesn’t make you weak, it shows you are human, guided by values and principles. Drugs are not a coping mechanism; they are a destructive force that kills and destroys,” he said firmly.
He also emphasized the importance of unity among boys. “We must uplift and support one another, because there is power in working together. No boy is an island. Schools should create peer support groups where boys can talk about issues close to their hearts. I plan to start such a group when I return to Kimberley,” he pledged.
Bezuidenhout further called for more support for community-based organizations. “They need funding to help young boys cope with their daily struggles. This will make a big difference for those who cannot help themselves,” he added.
From the Eastern Cape, Luminathi Elefu (14), a Grade 9 learner at Vukani Combined School in Hankey, echoed a message of accountability. “Boys are the future. We must protect women and help end gender-based violence,” said Elefu, who dreams of becoming a civil engineer.
In the Western Cape, Esethu Yimbi (16) from Ukukhanya Primary School in Gugulethu urged his peers to break the silence around bullying. “We must respect one another and be open about our struggles, because the code of silence kills,” said the aspiring pilot.
Meanwhile, Sakhile Ngcane, a Grade 9 learner from Manzini Primary School in Mpumalanga who served as Presiding Officer during the two-day sitting, described the experience as unforgettable. “I was on cloud nine to be given the opportunity to chair the proceedings. I learned the importance of listening and paying attention to detail so that the programme could run smoothly,” he shared.
Ngcane expressed gratitude to the leaders who guided them throughout the session. “We thank leaders like Beau Nkaelang, National Chairperson of the SANAC Civil Society Forum Men’s Sector, and Daylin Gary Mitchell, Speaker of the Western Cape Parliament. They led us with integrity and are true role models to all the boys,” he concluded.
