Platforms need to be created to nurture young boys into responsible men.

Prince Thulani Zulu, spokesperson for the Zulu royal family, made this challenge to other municipalities after Umfolozi Municipality hosted such an event on Friday.

“Mostly the focus is on the maidens, not boys. “When you look at the Reed Dance Ceremony, maidens are taught how to become a good woman and mother. Nothing is said to the boys. We need to ask ourselves as to who these maidens are going to marry,” Zulu said.

Held at Mphathiswane Community Hall and organised by uMfolozi Mayor Xolani Bhengu, the event was attended by church leaders, traditional leaders and izinduna.

Bhengu thanked the men who volunteered their time to assist at funerals, saying, “They leave whatever they had planned to do and attend funerals. They dig graves for free. They bring their own tools to do this. They do this during rainy days and scorching sun.”

Bhengu also urged men to be part of community meetings and programmes so they aren’t left out of development initiatives.

Picks and shovels were handed to chiefs to assist men in digging graves.

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