Makhubo Is Dedicated to Changing Young Men’s Perspectives

Through education and community involvement, Dudu Makhubo, a committed mentor in Thembilihle, is working to combat toxic masculinity and empower young people, demonstrating that even the slightest adjustment may have a positive impact on her community’s future.

She told the Daily Maverick that she strongly believes her energies should be directed towards the young guys in her neighbourhood.

“I believe that society overlooks the boy child, despite the fact that he is a vital member of the community. Raising a boy properly could help you prevent crime, rape, and all the other negative things that males are capable of.”

She said she feels she has a platform to address toxic masculinity, drug and alcohol abuse, and her voluntary work as a member of the community youth group.

In essence, the youth club serves as a mentorship program for fifteen children in the Thembilihle neighbourhood. The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation is in charge of it and provides funding.

The mentors are between the ages of 26 and 35, and the youths range in age from 15 to 25.

How to strengthen the community through the younger members is decided by the mentors, she explained.

Since education is a top priority in Thembilihle, parents encourage their children to attend the free after-school maths and science programs and aid them when they need it.

Additionally, they show the children how to become more involved in the community by taking them to a range of community events.

“Everything we do is aimed at empowering their minds and dispelling the myth that people from informal settlements cannot receive an education.”

Makhubo has a long history of activism.

Since the youth movements of 1976, her mother has been an extremely involved member of the community, hosting PAC meetings at her home during the liberation struggle.

Later on, she became an outspoken opponent of multiple attempts to drive residents out of Thembilihle by force.

“Our parents have done what they could, but it is up to us whether we pick up where they left off or keep things the same. We want to see a change in the community.”

Editor’s note: As a committed mentor in Thembilihle, Dudu Makhubo is standing up to toxic masculinity and empowering youth, proving that even small changes may have a big impact on the future of her community.

Description: Dedicated mentor in Thembilihle Dudu Makhubo is working to address toxic masculinity and empower the young by means of education and community involvement, thereby demonstrating that even the little change can brighten the future of her community.

Editor: Thato Mahlangu

Project manager: Do4SA