​Qaqambile
Mdledle
MEC for Social Development, Morakane Mosupyoe has called for more boy child mentorship programmes that offer support, positive role-modelling and safe spaces to talk about life and living.
Mosupyoe was speaking at the official launch of the provincial Boy Scouts. Scouts are non-profit, non-political youth development movement which contributes to the education of young people through a programme of learning by doing in small groups.
The launch also coincided with the International Day of the Boy Child.  May 16th of each year has been observed as International Day of the Boy Child. This is a day dedicated to boys and their well-being and to achieving true gender equality.
"The Scouting programme provides opportunities for leadership and support to learn about the uniqueness of each individual and to appreciate diversity while developing constructive relationships with other young people and adults," said Mosupyoe.
The MEC said government aims to establish new scout groups across the province.
"Through this partnership, the department will target young boys across the province and provide mentorship on different issues such as behavioural change, emotional intelligence, and spiritual upliftment."
Boy children, Mosupyoe added, find it difficult to speak out against sexual abuse and exploitation because of stereotypical definitions of masculinity and deep-rooted homophobia. 
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa said child labour is an enemy of children's development, an enemy of children's future and progress. 
"The lack of universal social protection, including child support grants and forms of childcare support for working mothers, contributes to conditions that increase the likelihood of child labour," said the President.  
He was speaking at the Fifth Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour in Durban.
Ramaphosa said everyone can play a role in protecting children and making sure that they have access to schooling.
"It is our duty and responsibility as the international community to ensure that no parent is ever put in such a predicament, that no child is denied decent schooling, and that no family is forced to send their children out to work because they have no choice."