Amid a national crisis of gender-based violence, two determined changemakers, Bonga Libala and Unathi Makasi, have taken a bold stand. Through their innovative initiative, Save a Man and a Boy, they are working to reshape the narrative around masculinity and emotional wellbeing in South Africa.
Launched under the umbrella of the Mikanya Foundation—an organisation committed to child welfare and youth empowerment—the programme seeks to mentor boys into becoming confident, emotionally intelligent, and socially responsible men.
Libala and Makasi, both originally from Mthatha and now based in Johannesburg, use creative arts, such as acting, modelling, dance, and public speaking, as tools for self-exploration and personal growth. Their sessions foster a safe and supportive environment, encouraging boys to express vulnerability and challenge harmful societal norms.
Their work is already making an impact in communities across Soweto, Alexandra, Thembisa, and beyond. For Libala, the mission is deeply personal. Having grown up without his biological father, he understands the emotional void that absence can create. Today, he is committed to being a source of support and mentorship for young boys, offering not just guidance but also practical assistance, including sports equipment and other necessities.
“Every boy child deserves a father figure to nurture them,” said Libala.
Through his foundation, he’s redefining masculinity, one young heart at a time
“The initiative has unveiled its vision towards 2030, that of emotionally intelligent leaders, husbands, partners, brothers, sons, and fathers. Those who engage in healthy expressions of their emotions.
“Our mission will be achieved by aggressively and collectively engaging boys on how they are socialised to suppress their natural and spontaneous reaction to pain, which affects their physical and mental health, decision making, behaviour, and happiness.”
He said though they are based in Johannesburg, they do visit other provinces as well and aim to reach all corners of the country.
“SA ranks high when it comes to violence against women as gender-based violence and femicide often dominates the headlines. With the country’s triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment, domestic violence is also cited as one of the rising concerns where young boys grow in households and societies that perpetuate women as lesser human beings to men.”
He said in their programmes they help boys to redefine masculinity.
“We do this by teaching them to share emotions in healthy ways, accept and connect with others, manage emotional triggers, stand up and speak out against bullying and inequality and break free from rigid stereotypes.”
He said the purpose of this is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children.
“The aim is to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives. To also give children a good start in life, as well as the opportunity to learn and be protected from violence or any other emotional and psychological harm.”
Daily Dispatch
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