Seen Here: Building tomorrow’s leaders. Mrs Soweto 2026 finalist Phomelelo Mahlaba engages with young boys during the Soweto Boys Empowerment Camp at Moletsane Sports Complex, inspiring them to embrace leadership, discipline, purpose and positive life choices. Photo Credit: Supplied
MOLETSANE, SOWETO – In a powerful demonstration of community leadership and youth development, Mrs Soweto 2026 finalist Phomelelo Mahlaba has launched an initiative aimed at transforming the lives of young boys through mentorship, education and emotional empowerment.
Held at the Moletsane Sports Complex on 11 July 2026, the Soweto Boys Empowerment Camp brought together boys, parents, mentors, community leaders and professionals for a day dedicated to building confidence, character and leadership among the next generation of young men.
The one-day camp created a safe and engaging environment where participants explored important life issues, including identity, self-worth, discipline, mental health, career development and making positive life choices.
Seen Here: Creating a safe space for growth. Young boys from Moletsane and surrounding communities participate in mentorship and life-skills sessions focused on mental wellness, self-worth, resilience and overcoming the challenges facing today’s youth. Photo Credit: Supplied
Investing in tomorrow’s leaders
Driven by a vision to create lasting social impact beyond the Mrs Soweto pageant, Mahlaba said the initiative was born from a desire to restore hope and purpose among young boys growing up in township communities.
“As Mrs Soweto 2026 finalist, I wanted my advocacy to be more than just a title. I wanted it to create lasting impact,” she said.
“I chose to champion the restoration and empowerment of the boy child because today’s boys are tomorrow’s fathers, husbands, leaders and protectors. By intentionally investing in them now, we can help curb gender-based violence, depression, the growing number of suicides among boys and men, substance abuse, crime and the cycle of absent fathers that continues to affect many families.”
She described the positive response from participants as a reminder that the programme is addressing a genuine need within the community.
“Seeing the boys engage so openly and leave encouraged reminded me why this initiative matters. This was never meant to be a once-off event, but the beginning of a movement to raise a generation of purpose-driven, emotionally healthy and responsible men who will positively shape their families, communities and our nation.”
Seen Here: Empowering the boy child, strengthening the community. Community leaders, mentors, parents and professionals came together for a day of meaningful conversations, encouraging young men to become responsible, emotionally healthy and purpose-driven future leaders. Photo Credit: Supplied
Addressing the challenges facing young men
Recognising the complex social pressures confronting today’s youth, the camp tackled several pressing issues affecting township communities.
Discussions focused on substance abuse, peer pressure, mental health awareness, emotional resilience and career guidance, giving participants practical tools to navigate everyday challenges.
Mahlaba said creating spaces where boys can openly express themselves is critical to building healthier communities.
“Empowering young men is fundamental to building safer, stronger and more resilient communities. Through the Moletsane Boys Camp, our goal was to create a safe space where these young men feel heard, guided and inspired to reach their full potential.”
Learning through mentorship
The programme combined motivational talks with interactive workshops designed to equip participants with practical life skills.
Mentorship sessions encouraged personal accountability, discipline, resilience and goal-setting, while experienced mentors shared insights on leadership, education and career opportunities.
Mental health formed a central part of the programme, with facilitators encouraging honest conversations about emotional well-being and helping participants understand that seeking support is a sign of strength rather than weakness.
Team-building activities also promoted trust, cooperation and positive brotherhood, reinforcing the importance of supporting one another through life’s challenges.
Community leaders and professionals further inspired attendees by sharing their personal journeys and encouraging the boys to become positive role models within their families and neighbourhoods.
Seen Here: More than a camp—a movement. Participants, mentors and organisers unite in a shared commitment to building positive peer networks and raising a generation of confident young men who will make a lasting impact in their families, communities and South Africa. Photo Credit: Supplied
Community partnerships drive success
The success of the inaugural empowerment camp was made possible through the support of local businesses and organisations committed to community development and youth empowerment.
Sponsors included Vleispot, South Coast Orthodontics, Forecast Consulting, Print On Time, Khoi Tech, and Faithful Steward, whose contributions helped turn the vision into reality.
Their involvement reflected the growing recognition that meaningful youth development requires collaboration between communities, businesses and civil society.
A movement, not a moment
As the day concluded, participants, mentors and organisers made a collective commitment to continue building positive peer networks and expanding mentorship opportunities throughout Soweto.
Rather than viewing the camp as a once-off intervention, organisers envision it becoming a long-term movement that nurtures confident, responsible and emotionally resilient young men.
With communities across South Africa grappling with youth unemployment, substance abuse, crime and gender-based violence, initiatives such as the Moletsane Boys Empowerment Camp demonstrate the powerful role that grassroots leadership can play in creating lasting social change.
For Phomelelo Mahlaba, the message is clear: empowering the boy child today is an investment in stronger families, safer communities and a brighter future for South Africa.
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