Amakrwala, newly circumcised graduates of the Xhosa rite of passage, who are returning from initiation schools with their manhood but little else are getting a helping hand from a non-profit organisation.
NoExcuse is running a series of “dignity drives” – the latest was at Site C’s Ntlanganiso High School on Saturday – to offer underprivileged young men support and advice on how they can further their education, find work and get driving licences.
Giving these young men the right kind of motivation and support, says NoExcuse senior mentor Victor Pike, can build their self-esteem and steer them towards success instead of down a path where, out of desperation, they end up committing crime.
“These young people are facing a lot of challenges. During the drives, we realised that a lot of them want education, they want jobs, they want assistance to become what we call a real man. But a lot do not have role models and people to assist them to educate them about cultures and norms of being a man. We then decided to do drives when we focus strictly on them and their needs. The purpose is to build real men and good citizens,” he said.
The organisation, he added, had lined up potential donors who were prepared to help the young men.
“There are security companies and driving schools that are promising to help them. In fact, there is one driving school that will take them for free, teach them to drive and help them with driving licences. Some parts of the government are willing to also get involved and assist me with some training. This shows how society is changing and is willing to help,” he said.
Ward councillor Ntomboxolo Koopman praised the initiative saying it went beyond just giving handouts.
The young men were tomorrow’s leaders with a responsibility to mentor those who came after them, she said.
“To be a man one should have a strong character and not be tempted by a lot of things or peer pressure. They are now expected to behave in a different manner from before.”
