International Day of the Boy Child is celebrated annually on 16 May as part of a month-long focus on boys. The day recognises the importance of boys' well-being and the challenges they face, whilst also celebrating the positive aspects they bring to their communities and families. For the 2026 commemoration, several themes are being highlighted by various organisations. These include: "Flourish & Thrive", "Raising Boys of Value and Purpose", and "Breaking the Silence: Boys and Mental Health”.

This year, the commemoration will be taking place on 22 May 2026 at Jeppe High School for Boys in Johannesburg, with a focus on positive masculinity, along with an exhibition by Primestars and partners at the school. 350 learners from the hosting schools and 6 other schools, including a school of learners with special education needs will attend in person, whilst 800 other learners are expected to join online from viewing rooms in the eight other provinces. Last year, the Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, and Deputy Minister, Dr Reginah Mhaule, commemorated the inaugural International Day of the Boy Child at the Thaba Tshwane City Hall in Centurion under the theme: “The Legends, The Youngins and The Boys”.

Mr Likho Bottoman, Director for Social Cohesion and Equity in Education, explained that “through our global efforts to uplift women, and the girl child in particular, there is the unintended consequence of leaving the boy child behind in our classrooms and our communities. Boys are either disengaging in schools or they are repeating grades. This has a societal impact, and we need to make sure that we are supporting boys and giving them space to become positive male role models; and to grow up to be responsible men, citizens and leaders, not engaging in violence. Through the Care and Support for Teaching and Learning (CSTL) initiative, the DBE is working to combat GBV in schools. Schools play a crucial role by providing knowledge about gender stereotypes, healthy relationships and respect. This intergenerational assembly represents more than a single event, it marks the beginning of a coordinated effort to create supportive environments where boys can develop holistically, by addressing boys' specific needs, we strengthen not only their futures, but South Africa's educational outcomes and social fabric as a whole”.

“The UNESCO Global Report on the Disengagement of Boys in Education reveals concerning data about the trajectory of boys’ schooling. The South African Development Community (SADC) Study on the Vulnerability of Boys indicates the greater need for Sexual and Reproductive Health support for boys. This intergenerational assembly marks the beginning of a coordinated effort to create supportive environments where boys can develop emotionally, academically and socially whilst becoming allies in gender equality. Not yet ratified by the United Nations, the International Day of the Boy Child started being commemorated by different actors of society in the world in 2018, recognising the need to address the specific challenges and needs of boys. A 2023 Presidential engagement brought to the fore the voice of the boy child though a collaborative film “What about the Boys’’, which shone the spotlight on the role of men and young boys in ending the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) epidemic and the need to address the vulnerability of young men and boys. We joined Primestars for the premiere of the sequel, “What About The Boys 2” movie. They also launched “The State of the Boy Child 3-Year Impact Report” that was presented to Government, which gives us a clear signal that many boys are not growing up with clear, healthy reference points for manhood. Instead, they are navigating: Silence around emotion; Exposure to violence; Confusion about relationships, respect, and responsibility; and in many cases, the absence of consistent guidance,” said Deputy Minister Mhaule.

The commemoration is a collaboration between the DBE, UNESCO, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, the German Development Agency (GIZ), the Baithudi Mampane Foundation, the YouthStart Foundation and Primestars, Agape Youth Movement, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Premier FMCG, Heartlines and Amathymer Brotherhood Circles. Silenced boys become wounded men and the promotion of positive masculinity will guide South African boys towards empathy, emotional intelligence, and accountability.