Men Stand Tall focuses on the social ills in our communities and addressing the boy in the man. We have been stereotyped to be a certain way, react and respond in ways that often draw us further from our true identity as men.
We aim to create safe spaces for boys and men to share openly and honestly without prejudice or judgment. Healthy conversations allow men to break free from isolation and see they are not alone in facing challenges.
Our vision is to transform men into catalysts for change in their homes, communities, and society.
Men Stand Tall also seeks to restore the dignity of boys and men who have been ostracised for not fitting into the traditional school system. Many of these individuals possess valuable skills as plumbers, mechanics, and artisans, yet are stigmatised due to a lack of formal qualifications. By upskilling them and recognising their talents, we help them become mentors for future generations.
Our organisation believes the social challenges in our communities are too great to tackle in isolation. We aim to unite NGOs, NPOs, religious leaders, and community groups through arts-based workshops, performances, and feedback sessions. These sessions enable role-players to collaborate and refocus on shared goals. Together, we strive to map a path forward that focuses on skills development, arts and culture, and a holistic approach to creating safer, stronger communities.
We believe in collaboration and community engagement. Through partnerships with NGOs, religious leaders, police forums, and other stakeholders, we conduct awareness programmes using the arts, performances, and creative workshops. These programmes highlight the core challenges facing our communities and open up dialogue about solutions.
Our workshops focus on overcoming emotional limitations and exploring challenging topics like self-motivation, identity, and mental health. We use drama methodologies, such as our comedy series, 'One Man Stand,' to engage participants in a fun and interactive way.
The team at Men Stand Tall is made up of passionate individuals committed to uplifting boys and men in our community.
Dennis Stander is the heartbeat and visionary of Men Stand Tall. He is deeply involved in creating or collaborating with other organisations to provide spaces where meaningful dialogue can take place.
Tyrone Fourie serves as our Accounting Director, ensuring our financial operations run smoothly and efficiently. His careful management keeps the organisation on track.
Charlton MacQuena is our Assistant Director with a background in work-readiness programmes and entrepreneurial development. He brings valuable expertise to our initiatives, particularly in mentoring and skills development.
Co-founder of DS Productions, Devon Swartz is a key collaborator in the Power of StoryTelling (P.O.S.T.) methodology. His expertise in storytelling and facilitation enriches our programmes and helps participants engage deeply with the process.
Andre Schaffer acts as a mentor and specialises in engaging young men interested in the electrical field. His passion for development and his hands-on approach makes him an invaluable asset to our mentoring programmes.
Nigel Williams brings his expertise in fitness and wellness to our outdoor excursions, including hikes and camps. His involvement encourages participants to engage both physically and mentally during our programmes.
During COVID-19, Dennis Stander realised that men often lacked spaces to confront their emotions. The pandemic highlighted the need for men to face their emotions head-on and inspired Dennis to rethink his role as a man, husband, father, son, and brother.
Men Stand Tall was born out of this realisation and the desire to help boys and men reach their full potential.
“Serving others is life-changing. It brings immense satisfaction to play a role in positively impacting people’s lives. After years in the corporate space, the joy found in uplifting others far surpasses any professional achievement.”
