WITH a deep commitment to breaking the cycle of fatherlessness in South Africa, George Mwaura has dedicated his life to empowering the next generation of young men.

His work, rooted in compassion and community transformation, continues to impact lives across seven communities through World Changers Academy trading as Isiseko Imara.

“Isiseko Imara means ‘a firm foundation’, and I believe that our boys need exactly that,” said Mwaura.

The father of three shares a special bond with the boys he mentors, many of whom he first met during his time with the Church Alliance for Social Transformation (CAST) through its Boys to Men programme.

“I’ve worked with most of these boys since 2009. They are now young men who coach and lead the very programmes they once benefited from. Watching them grow and give back is deeply fulfilling,” Mwaura said with pride.

According to 2023 Statistics SA data shared by Mwaura, 64% of boys in the country grow up without their fathers.

“In some communities, the absence rises to as high as 75%. Through targeted interventions, Isiseko Imara seeks to bridge this gap by nurturing responsible, grounded young men.”

Mwaura and his team work in Clermont, Savannah Park, Noordsberg, Chibini, Shongweni, Applesbosch and iXopo.

Their programmes include sports activities (soccer and basketball) to build teamwork and confidence, home visits where coaches engage with guardians — mothers, grandmothers, or others — to strengthen family support, academic support sessions and spiritual guidance to help ground the boys morally and emotionally.

Beyond mentoring youth, Mwaura also focuses on empowering men through the Vulindlela Jobseekers Outreach.

“What began four years ago with serving coffee and muffins to unemployed men in Westville has evolved into a support system helping men find employment, reconnect with their children, and rediscover their identity as fathers.

“It’s not always about the money,” he noted. “Sometimes, just being present in a child’s life makes all the difference.

“The initiative also helps men obtain ID documents — an essential step toward employment and dignity. This often means early morning drives to Home Affairs.”

One of Mwaura’s memorable moments was helping a 66-year-old man receive his first ID.

“The smile, the gratitude, the sigh of relief — those are the moments that keep me going,” he said.

Mwaura acknowledged the vital role that Westville churches play in supporting the mission.

“Their involvement has helped extend the reach and impact of the programmes.”

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