Across South Africa, boys are still being raised under an outdated code of masculinity that tells them to hide their emotions, face challenges alone and see gentleness as weakness. From a young age, they’re taught that toughness equals strength and that showing empathy or fear makes them less of a man but this emotional repression comes at a high cost. Studies show that men are far less likely than women to seek help when struggling and South Africa’s male suicide rate remains alarmingly high.
The Character Company, a non-profit organisation working with boys who grow up without fathers, is helping rewrite that harmful script. For over a decade, founder Jaco van Schalkwyk and his team have paired boys with positive male mentors or “social fathers” who guide them toward a healthier understanding of strength; one rooted in emotional literacy, compassion and connection. He joins us on the line Jaco van Schalkwyk, founder of The Character Company