Phethahatso Foundation hosts warm mom and son dialogue in Midrand
The dialogue focused on usually unspoken societal topics, such as the marginalisation of the boy child, social media impact on mental health, and roots of gender-based violence, including bullying.
Founder of the Phethahatso Foundation Tebello Mosese hosted a mom and son dialogue, where mothers and their sons gathered to discussing underlying challenges they both face in their relationships.
Mosese says supporting boys has always been close to her heart, which is why she started the foundation and aims to continue the support with initiatives such as the dialogue.
She started the foundation in 2016, and introduced the first dialogue in 2025, making this her second dialogue event.
Mosese stated her reason behind starting the dialogue events.
Read more: Phethahatso Foundation bridges the gap between moms and sons
“I am a single mother of a boy child, and I felt it would be very nice if mothers and their sons had a platform where they can find the sort of support that they struggle to offer to each other.”
The event started with mothers and sons participating in separate workshops.
Mothers used their session to discuss the difficulties they face while raising boys, with professionals offering practical advice, while the boys engaged in their own workshop, where they openly shared the challenges they face and discussed the support they feel they need.
One of the attendees, Zworinakela Sitabule, described the event as a meaningful experience. “It’s a breath of fresh air to come speak here openly and come as myself, not trying to hide anything.”
After the separate sessions, mothers and sons came together to reflect on what had been discussed, and explore healthier ways of communicating with one another.
The event also featured keynote speakers who shared personal life experiences to encourage the boys.
Towards the end of the event, the boys were awarded with certificates and books for attending an eight-week programme where they learnt how to navigate challenges as young men in their communities.
Founder of ZamoK Men’s Corner Zamokuhle Khumalo, who was also one of the speakers, shared what he hopes to achieve through initiatives such as this.
“I wish this could introduce a platform where we are not just opening up young boys to having them speak or express themselves, but where we can also come together with a solution or an exit plan towards these challenges they have.”
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