South Africa’s young people are navigating identity, relationships, social pressure and expectations at a time when the country faces serious and connected challenges, such as gender-based violence, youth unemployment and a shortage of safe spaces for honest conversations.
In response, What About the Boys 2 (WATB 2), a bold youth education initiative that aims to address these challenges at their roots, has been launched nationally to engage young South Africans where mindsets are formed: in schools. It has been recognised that academic performance cannot be separated from a learner’s social environment, values and wellbeing.
The programme, produced by Primestars in partnership with the YouthStart Foundation, uses locally produced film, mentorship-led discussion and structured learner dialogue to engage Grade 9–12 learners on themes of respect, identity, accountability, emotional health and leadership.
Building on the success of the first phase of the programme, the current phase expands both its scope and reach by creating inclusive spaces where boys and girls participate together. Through guided conversations, learners are encouraged to develop empathy, mutual understanding and shared responsibility – values that are essential to building a safer, more equal and inclusive society.
As the lead sponsor of the film, Anglo American recognises that academic performance cannot be separated from a learner’s social environment, values and wellbeing. WATB 2 represents a further investment in the company’s long commitment to education in South Africa.
Through Kumba Iron Ore, the programme will be delivered to schools in the Northern Cape, in communities where Anglo American operates, ensuring that learners in under-served areas are part of the national conversation. Anglo American staff will also participate as volunteer mentors, facilitating structured discussions with learners in follow-up sessions – embedding the company’s people directly in the programme’s impact.
Speaking at the premiere of WATB 2 on behalf of Anglo American, Independent Ambassador for the Living with Dignity Hub, Nozipho January-Bardill, said: “For the first time, boys and girls will be in the room together. They will watch the same film, hear the same stories and have the same conversations. That is a deliberate act of co-creation – helping young people to understand each other, respect each other, and build a different future for South Africa together.”
“Young people are ready for these conversations,” says Martin Sweet, chief executive of Primestars. “WATB 2 creates the space to have them – and to build a generation that leads with empathy, integrity and respect.”
Learner screenings of the participating schools run from 16 May to 6 June across all nine provinces through the Primestars School Screening Programme. The film is also available on Primestars Digital.
As a national programme with a long-term vision, WATB 2 aims to contribute to broader societal conversations around youth development, GBV prevention and inclusive growth. The film ultimately seeks to encourage a generation of young South Africans to lead with empathy, accountability and respect – both inside and beyond the classroom.
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Author: T M from ByDesign Communications on behalf of Anglo American.
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