ZAKHE KHUZWAYO: CHAMPIONING CHANGE THROUGH THE MEN CARVE

**Zakhe Khuzwayo: Championing Change Through The Men Carve** Zakhe Khuzwayo, founder and president of The Men Carve Organisation, is committed to creating a safer, more respectful and inclusive society through youth empowerment, healthy masculinity and gender equality. Established to address social challenges affecting young people and communities, The Men Carve promotes healthy manhood, respect, empathy, accountability and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV). The organisation encourages individuals to challenge harmful gender stereotypes, understand their responsibilities and become active participants in creating positive social change. Through workshops, seminars, school visits and university residence programmes, The Men Carve creates opportunities for open conversations about gender socialisation, mental health, respectful relationships, sexual violence and bystander intervention. These initiatives empower young people to recognise harmful behaviours, support one another and contribute to safer learning environments and communities. The organisation also recognises that social well-being extends beyond gender-related issues. Through its food parcel distribution programme, The Men Carve supports students experiencing food insecurity, helping them access essential resources while pursuing their education. This work reflects its commitment to addressing the practical challenges that affect students' academic progress and overall well-being. In recognition of its contribution, The Men Carve received the Programme of the Year Award at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Institutional Awards in 2022. This achievement highlighted the value of student-led initiatives in addressing social challenges and strengthening community engagement. Khuzwayo's vision extends beyond the university environment. He hopes to expand The Men Carve across South African universities and provinces, reaching more young people and communities before harmful attitudes and behaviours become deeply rooted. His long-term ambition is to establish an international movement that promotes healthy, respectful manhood and contributes to a society free from violence and discrimination. Through collective action, education and community partnerships, The Men Carve continues to demonstrate that meaningful change begins with individuals who are willing to challenge harmful norms and promote respect, equality and compassion. Khuzwayo's leadership reflects the power of young people to drive social transformation and demonstrates how student-led initiatives can connect education with practical solutions to community challenges. https://www.dut.ac.za/zakhe-khuzwayo-championing-change-through-men-carve/