The founder of the Gali Luvava Foundation, Sivuyile Gali, has been recognised nationally for his work in gender-based violence (GBV) prevention after being named first runner-up in the Male GBV Activist category at the National GBV Awards.

For Gali, the recognition is about far more than personal achievement.

“It recognises the work of the Gali Luvava Foundation, our volunteers, mentors, partners and every man, boy and family who has trusted us over the years. It affirms that the work of building healthier men and safer communities matters,” he said.

Gali said he did not begin his work in the hope of receiving awards but because he recognised the challenges many men and boys face, including childhood trauma, fatherlessness, emotional pain, unemployment, hopelessness and the lack of positive male role models.

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“I have always believed that if we want to end gender-based violence, we must also address its root causes. My motivation has never been recognition; it has always been service. The nomination itself was already an honour,” he said.

Through the Gali Luvava Foundation, more than 5 000 men and boys across South Africa have participated in community dialogues, mentorship programmes, workshops and awareness campaigns focusing on positive masculinity, mental health, fatherhood, emotional healing and GBV prevention.

A key part of the organisation’s work is supporting mothers, particularly single mothers raising boys without fathers.

The foundation provides practical guidance and support while connecting young boys with positive male mentors who model healthy masculinity.

“Our approach is holistic because we believe preventing gender-based violence begins long before violence occurs. It begins by healing brokenness, restoring identity, strengthening families and raising emotionally healthy boys who become responsible men,” Gali explained.

He said the award holds special significance after years of working behind the scenes.

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“Personally, this recognition is deeply emotional. For more than 15 years, I have dedicated my life to this work without recognition.

“This is the first time both I and the Gali Luvava Foundation have received national recognition for what we have been doing quietly for so many years.

“It reminds me that God honours faithfulness in His own time. Professionally, this recognition strengthens the credibility of our work and creates opportunities to build partnerships that will enable us to reach even more communities.”

Looking ahead, Gali hopes to expand the foundation’s programmes across South Africa by strengthening partnerships with government, schools, community organisations and the private sector.

He said the organisation aims to develop sustainable programmes that promote healthy masculinity, support parents, mentor young boys and contribute meaningfully to preventing gender-based violence.

“I look forward to expanding our reach, building stronger partnerships, engaging more communities and creating greater awareness around positive masculinity. I also hope this recognition will open doors for sustainable support, allowing us to impact many more lives across South Africa,” he said.

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Gali believes addressing gender-based violence requires collective action from the entire community.

“Gender-based violence is not only a women’s issue or a men’s issue; it is a societal issue that requires all of us to work together.

“At the Gali Luvava Foundation, we do not believe in creating division between men and women. We believe in building bridges. We work with men and boys, partner with mothers and collaborate with communities because prevention begins with healing, mentorship and healthy relationships.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mama Cynthia, founder of the National GBV Awards, for creating a platform that recognises those serving our communities. I also thank everyone who voted for me and believed in our mission.

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“I dedicate this recognition to every man who chose healing over anger, every boy who chose purpose over hopelessness, every mother who entrusted us with her son, every mentor who gave their time and every volunteer who stood with us.

“This award is not the end of the journey. It is a reminder that purpose always leaves footprints. Amandla eNdoda ase Nqondweni,” he said.