(Xhosa with English subtitles)
When he was a young boy, Tembelani’s mother and aunt wanted to send him to school. He chose to stay home and tend cattle – to him, this is what it meant to be a man. Later in life, Tembelani’s idea of manhood changed, and so did his attitude towards women and children. He is now a vocal leader in his village, where he promotes condom use and advocates for accessible healthcare and testing services in rural areas.
Key points to consider in viewing Tembelani’s story
Tembelani grew up believing that being a man meant imitating his father, but he changed his view of masculinity after exposure to new ideas. Why do you think Tembelani now feels so responsible for the lives of young men in his village? What insights does his story offer, about the importance of leadership?