By Noko Mashilo
Dr. Thembisile Xulu, CEO of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), challenges hundreds of boys and young men gathered from across the country to redefine manhood. This was during the launch of the National Boys’ Parliament held at Stellenbosch University’s Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) in Western Cape on the 19 October 2025.
Speaking during the 4th National Men’s Parliament, part of the Men’s Sector’s Better Man 4 Tomorrow programme guided by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who serves as Patron and Chairperson of SANAC, Dr. Xulu called on South African men to take responsibility for creating safer communities and nurturing the boy child.
Xulu said the men of South Africa have stood up and reinstated their commitment to promoting the safety and proper socialisation of the boy child. “The environments we grow up in shape the people we become,” said Xunu.
She further acknowledged the harsh realities faced by many boys. “Some grow up in environments where disrespect and violence against women are normalised. That is not your fault. You have done nothing wrong. To all the boys and young men in this room, “ngicela ningizwe kahle,” you are not a problem, “anisiyona inkinga.” You are the solution our country needs most,” she told them.
Her address was both a challenge and a call to courage. “What is needed from you is to make brave choices, to choose to be a good man, protect and care. It takes strength to go against the grain and say, I will be a better man. I will stand up for what is right. I will model a new kind of strength, one rooted in respect and empathy. Positive change begins when you decide to be a better man for tomorrow,” said Xulu.
Xulu emphasised that this Boys’ Parliament not end as just another dialogue. “Let it stand as a declaration that you, the boys and young men of South Africa, will rise to become leaders who are protectors, partners, and pioneers of a safer, healthier, and more loving nation,” she said.
She also reminded the young delegates that they hold the power to transform society and rewrite the story of manhood in South Africa. “You have the opportunity to change the narrative to end gender-based violence, to normalise HIV testing and treatment, and to lead us into an HIV-free generation,” said Xulu.
She further went on to redefine what it truly means to be a man. “A good man is not measured by dominance, but by the peace he creates within himself, a peace that naturally flows into the lives of those around him,” she said.
Xulu also called on the boys to embody a new kind of strength, one rooted in compassion and courage. “Be the generation of men who carry the flag of positive masculinity. Be the men who lead and safeguard others with kindness, integrity, hope, and empathy. Be the generation that ends violence, restores dignity, and proves that real men build, protect, nurture, and love. Real men lead with love and yes, we do love you, very much,” she said.
The Boys’ Parliament was chaired by boys serving as Honourable Presiding Officers, symbolising youth leadership in action. The session was graced by several distinguished guests, including Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike; Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks and Dr. Munya from the Stellenbosch Africa Centre for Inclusive Health Management.
Also in attendance were Mabalane Mfundisi, member of the National Civil Society Coordination Committee and PRC Co-Chair; Beau Nkaelang, National Chairperson of the SANAC Civil Society Forum Men’s Sector; Amelia Mfiki, Provincial Chairperson of the Civil Society Forum; as well as Traditional and Religious Leaders and other key stakeholders.
