Local foundation hopes to help boys from smoking, vaping and mental well-being
Brian Molapisane said that they are working with just over 50 boys, both from Midrand and surrounding communities to empower them.
“The Brian Molapisane Foundation was birthed from a deeply personal journey.”
These were the words of Brian Molapisane, founder of the foundation based in Noordwyk, Midrand.
He said after surviving a series of suicide attempts in 2023, he realised that mental health struggles – especially among boys and young men – were often overlooked.
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Molapisane said his pain became purpose. “I knew I wasn’t alone, and I decided to be the voice that encourages others to speak out and seek help. The foundation was created as a safe space to inspire, guide, and support those silently battling mental, emotional, and societal challenges. The foundation was officially established in 2023, following a long period of introspection, healing, and a deep desire to bring real change to communities. Starting with the boy child,” added Molapisane.
He said they were currently working with about 50 boys from Midrand and surrounding communities.
This includes some who attend Noordwyk Secondary School and other local schools where the foundation has formed partnerships or is actively trying to establish collaboration.
Asked what the foundation seeks to achieve or address, Molapisane said they wanted to protect, rehabilitate, and empower the boy child through mental health education, mentorship, character development, and life skills training.
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“Our goal is to raise emotionally strong, respectful, responsible, and purpose-driven young men. We also run inclusive programmes that indirectly support the girl child by teaching boys the value of respect, love, and accountability. Ultimately, the foundation addresses the root causes of social dysfunctions such as substance abuse, violence, and emotional trauma by building from the ground up, one boy at a time.”
Not only do they tackle this, but some of the pressing topics of discussion also include substance abuse (e.g. drugs, lean, vaping). He said this was a growing epidemic among boys, and they have seen first-hand how easily accessible and destructive these substances were.
He added they also taught boys to express themselves emotionally because many boys were taught to suppress their feelings.
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“We teach them that it’s okay to cry, to speak up, and to seek help. We teach them how to be responsible young men who understand the importance of respecting themselves, women, and society at large.”
The foundation’s vision is to grow into a national movement with rehabilitation centres, mentorship hubs, and development camps.
“We are a partner of the Department of Education and registered with Social Development, and offer our services in every township. Our dream is to create a pipeline of young, empowered men who become leaders, fathers, mentors, and protectors of their communities.”
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