The DBE commemorated International Day of the Boy Child at Jeppe High School for Boys in Johannesburg on 22 May 2026, with a focus on positive masculinity and mental health, along with an exhibition by Primestars and partners at the school.
Deputy Minister, Dr Reginah Mhaule, who delivered the keynote address, was accompanied by Deputy Ministers from the Presidency, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and the Department of Social Development, followed by two panel discussions by a variety of stakeholders. A “Boy Child Pledge” was also signed as a commitment towards being a positive role model; challenging harmful stereotypes; and rejecting harmful masculinity.
Mr Likho Bottoman, Director for Social Cohesion and Equity in Education, explained that 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 (AHF), Premier FMCG, Heartlines, and Amathymer Brotherhood Circles.
A 2023 Presidential engagement using the What About the Boys 1 film reframed boys as part of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) solution. Ending GBV requires schools to create safe spaces where boys can explore identity, heal and develop as ambassadors and allies for gender equality. Now in 2026, after the successful rollout of screening and social dialogue of What About the Boys 1, during the event, Primestars launched the What About the Boys 2 film, to accentuate the efforts of Government in convening boys’ engagements towards real social change with 350 participating in person and 100 boys in each of the provinces, enabling broader participation in the live-streamed event through online audio-visual technology for all provinces to participate.
Established in 2018, the International Day of the Boy Child (IDBC) complements the Day of the Girl Child (IDGC). UNESCO resolved to support South Africa, through the DBE, to make submission for this day to be officially recognised in the United Nations, especially given the dire need for global boy-dedicated support. The inaugural International Day of the Boy Child was commemorated in 2025 at the Thaba Tshwane City Hall in Centurion under the theme: “The Legends, The Youngins and The Boys”. This year’s commemoration intends to serve as a launchpad for the work of supporting young men and boys that would be sustainably implemented in collaboration with the DBE and partners going forward.