DELMAS — In a proactive effort to combat gender-based violence (GBV), substance abuse and youth crime, the Phupholethu Community Organisation in Delmas has rolled out a structured mentorship and life-skills programme aimed at grooming teenage boys into responsible young men.
As part of its preventative strategy, Phupholethu conducted awareness programmes at Swartklip Combined School on 20 February 2026, covering topics such as GBV, adolescence, crime and substance abuse, and facilitated an educational visit to Modderbee Correctional Services, exposing learners to the real-life consequences of crime.
Due to a lack of transport to accommodate all learners, seven learners each from Phaphamani Secondary School, Botleng Secondary School and Mafa Max Secondary School participated in the correctional services visit, which formed part of a youth crime prevention drive. The visit gave learners first-hand insight into the consequences of poor life choices.
Based in Delmas, the organisation focuses on mentoring and grooming boys through structured development programmes. It believes sustainable community change begins with shaping responsible young men early in life.
Chairperson Richard Skosana said the organisation was founded to address a critical gap in youth development.
“The aim of the Phupholethu Community Organisation is to empower teenage boys through grooming and mentorship, addressing the often overlooked needs of the boy child,” he said.
He further explained that while many social programmes focus on empowering girls, fewer structured platforms exist to guide boys through adolescence. “Our purpose is to equip future leaders with essential life skills, fostering informed and responsible young men who can positively contribute to their communities. If we save the boy child, we save the future of our communities,” he added.
Through its outreach programmes, Phupholethu addresses issues including gender-based violence, drug abuse, behavioural challenges and criminal activity among young people. Awareness sessions are interactive, encouraging boys to speak openly about peer pressure, masculinity, emotional struggles and societal expectations.
Phupholethu works with several stakeholders, including the Department of Social Development (DSD), Victor Khanye Local Municipality, Vusithemba Victim Support Centre, Transversal Office, South African Police Service (SAPS), Philabole’ Collection and the Department of Health.
These partnerships aim to ensure a holistic approach that combines social support, law enforcement guidance, victim empowerment and community-based resources.
Beyond awareness campaigns, the organisation emphasises personal grooming, discipline and mentorship as foundational pillars of its programme.
In a community facing ongoing social and economic challenges, the organisation says its focus remains on preventative empowerment rather than reactive intervention.
“When you invest in a boy’s character, you invest in a safer, stronger community,” Skosana said.
Images were taken at Swartklip Combined School on 20 February 2026.
