Unsung Heroes 2025 | Communities Service | Zakhe Khuzwayo

Zakhe Khuzwayo is the founder of The Men Carve Organisation (TMC), a South African non-profit organisation established in 2020 in response to the growing challenge of gender-based violence (GBV). His work focuses on promoting healthy manhood, encouraging respect and accountability, and addressing harmful gender attitudes and behaviours that contribute to violence and inequality. While pursuing his Master’s degree in Business and Information Management at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Zakhe continues to lead the organisation and its community development initiatives. The Men Carve works with students, schools and communities through workshops, seminars, school visits, university engagements, residence visits and food parcel distributions. The organisation aims to prevent GBV by engaging men and boys in conversations about healthy masculinity, gender equality, respect and personal responsibility. Its approach focuses on addressing the root causes of violence rather than placing the responsibility for safety solely on women and girls. Through education, awareness and community participation, TMC seeks to contribute to safer and more inclusive environments for everyone. Beyond its work on gender equality and GBV prevention, The Men Carve supports vulnerable students and communities through community outreach initiatives. Zakhe’s vision is to expand the organisation’s programmes to more schools, universities, churches, and public and private sector institutions, reaching more people with messages of respect, compassion and accountability. His dedication to community service and social change was recognised through his inclusion in Sunday World’s Unsung Heroes 2025 in the Community Service category. This recognition highlights his commitment to using youth leadership and community engagement to promote positive social change and build a society where people of all genders can live with dignity, respect and safety. Through The Men Carve Organisation, Zakhe continues to champion the belief that preventing gender-based violence requires collective responsibility, meaningful engagement and a commitment to shaping healthier attitudes and relationships. https://sundayworld.co.za/heroes_2025/zakhe-khuzwayo/