'Men in the Making' was observed nationally on 24 March 2011 throughout corporate South Africa.  

 

'Men in the Making' is a concept derived from the realization that boy children in South Africa are also calling out for attention, help, recognition and acknowledgement as they grapple with the challenges of life.
 
The primary objective of the project is to help raise responsible young men through the introduction to role models, career guidance, mentoring, guidance and support, life skills development and moral regeneration.  The initiative is endorsed by the Department of Education. 

 

The Department sees it contributing to Government’s 2014 goals and objectives in poverty eradication and making this country a better place for all who live in it. Other major players included Tracker Network and Metro FM. 
 
30 Grade 9-12 boys from two local Umlazi schools, Menzi High and Comtech Comprehensive were invited to spend a day at Ithala Corporate Services Centre where speakers from various departments in the organization offered advice and encouragement on a range of careers available and career paths to follow.  The young men were challenged to be innovative when planning for their futures, to look for new careers that are not yet saturated in the market and consider critical skills required in the country.

 

The group was highly enthusiastic and participative during all the presentations and derived added value from motivational speaker, Pastor Thomas Hadebe’s address, “From Boys to Men”, which covered issues such as planning for the future, being financially independent, creating good habits, making the right choices and leaving a legacy. 
 
Ithala sees this project as part of its mission to drive economic development and empowerment by making a positive contribution toward influencing future leaders in KwaZulu-Natal.