South Africa: The Boy Who Brought Dignity
Once known for teasing and pranking his peers at Sedibeng Primary School, Kutullo’s journey from mischief to mentorship is a testament to the transformative power of youth empowerment and education.
The school environment he grew up in lacked platforms for meaningful engagement. Learners had little exposure to topics like anti-bullying, human rights, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Recognizing this gap, the Resoketswe Lebjane Foundation partnered with Sedibeng Primary School to launch a series of sessions aimed at cultivating awareness around GBV and the impact of bullying.
These sessions were not just educational they were revolutionary.
Through the GBVF (Gender-Based Violence and Femicide) school club, learners like Kutullo were introduced to the values of advocacy, empathy, and dignity. The club became a safe space for honest dialogue, interactive learning, and personal growth. Activities such as “Broken Telephone” illustrated the dangers of gossip and misinformation, while lessons on children’s rights and responsibilities encouraged learners to leave behind a meaningful footprint.
"Before I joined the club, I was troublesome as I would go around bullying other learners by teasing and playing pranks on them. The club taught me a lot about equality and good footprints. I changed and stopped bullying others." – Kutullo Makgoba
Kutullo’s transformation was not just internal—it rippled outward into his community. One of the most touching moments came when he noticed a fellow learner, Itumeleng, struggling silently. Her family couldn’t afford sanitary pads, and she was too shy to ask for help. With quiet determination and support from his mother, Emma Makgoba, Kutullo provided what she needed—no fanfare, just respect. In that moment, he protected her dignity and showed what true leadership looks like.
"True leadership begins when a boy chooses dignity over silence, breaking taboos to protect what others are too afraid to defend." – Bontle Selekane
The impact of the GBVF club has been profound. Learners now actively participate, request sessions even during holidays, and speak passionately about the values they’ve embraced. Parents have noticed the change, expressing pride in how their children articulate their rights and advocate for safer spaces.
"We are very happy about the change you brought in these learners. We hope you will always be with them educating them and empowering the learners to do good.” – Nonkuleko Maboa, Teacher
Kutullo’s mother, inspired by her son’s growth, has committed to buying and distributing sanitary pads to girls in need a gesture that extends the club’s impact beyond the school gates.
The journey doesn’t end here. The Resoketswe Lebjane Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to create GBVF-free zones across communities. The next phase includes experiential learning through site visits to the Mpumalanga Provincial Parliament and a Magistrate’s Court. These visits will offer learners first-hand exposure to democratic processes and justice systems, reinforcing lessons around civic engagement and institutional support for survivors.
This story is more than a personal transformation it’s a blueprint for systemic change. It shows that when young people are given the tools, space, and the support to grow, they can become powerful agents of dignity, justice, and hope.