The presence of the stars-and-stripes-emblazoned monster truck was a sure sign that this was testosterone territory. The entire male student population of Amaoti 3 Secondary School (A3) had gathered for the Man-Up event where 500 learners were challenged on issues about being effective men, husbands and fathers in their community in the years to come. American author, Edwin Louis Cole wrote: “Being male is a matter of biology, being a man is a matter of choice”. Leader of the day, Gary Bezuidenhout of Mallaz Ministries, said: “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 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 the 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.
Bolstering Gary’s theme was Sbu Mkhize who had been handed a 75-year sentence after being convicted of a cash-in-transit heist and then released after 13 years for good behaviour. 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 baby son as he grows.
The birth of the event came from an informal relationship between two NPOs, The Domino Foundation and Lungisani Indlela, both of which work at A3. The two are concerned with issues, among others, surrounding fatherlessness in the nation and so approached Gary. The Man-Up event was set in motion. Lungisani Indlela’s Faye Curtis, commented: “After the excellent response from many of the young men, we are planning small group follow-up sessions”.
