500 young men were recently inspired to step up and redefine what it means to be a “real man” by choosing responsibility today to become the role models of tomorrow.
Amaoti, South Africa (13 April 2026) – As American author Edwin Louis Cole once wrote: “Being male is a matter of biology; being a man is a matter of choice.”
But what does it truly take to be a man? This question was at the heart of a recent Man-Up event, where 500 young male learners from Amaoti 3 Secondary School (A3) were challenged to reflect on what it means to be effective men, husbands, and fathers in their community in the years ahead.
On the day, Gary Bezuidenhout of Mallaz Ministries led the event, sharing his guidance and wisdom with the young men. He encouraged them to dig deep and consider how they could rewrite their current narratives to build promising futures.
“It was a strong message of how that choice needs to be made now if they are to become positive future role models.”
Gary described that when the students were asked how many of them had fathers living at home, not one put up their hand. When questioned if they knew their biological father, just 2% were brave enough to say they did.
In light of these responses, the teenagers were challenged about the role models they have for when they become fathers. Gary threw down the gauntlet, saying that, if drugs, alcohol and casual sex were not to dictate their path to fatherhood, it was just one good decision away.
Adding depth to Gary’s message was Sbu Mkhize, who shared how he managed to turn his life around after a troubled youth led him down the wrong path into crime and a conviction.
He shared how his life turned around in jail when he realised that his youthful rebellious attitude had had disastrous consequences. Acknowledging a higher power and determined to change the course of his life, he started a support group for his fellow inmates to discover ways unrelated to crime through which to build a better future – all advice he is determined to give his own son as he grows.
The birth of the event came from an informal relationship between The Domino Foundation and Lungisani Indlela, both of whom work at A3 to address various concerns, such as fatherlessness.
Moved by the positive response from all involved and in attendance, Lungisani Indlela’s Faye Curtis said they were now planning to host small group follow-up sessions to continue inspiring these young men.
Here’s to bringing up responsible men who lead, care, show up and make good choices!
Sources: The Domino Foundation
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