Articles – Heartlines

Rethinking Fatherhood, Gender, and Masculinity in South Africa: A Symposium on Youth Perspectives

On 29 October 2025, Heartlines, in partnership with the University of the Witwatersrand School of Governance hosted the Rethinking Fatherhood, Gender, and Masculinity in South Africa symposium.

Hey dads, big news about parental leave

Fathers Matter encourages men to play an active and positive role in their children’s lives by developing skills around caregiving and emotional presence. The new law about parental leave is an opportunity for fathers to do exactly that from the very beginning, creating space for both parents to share the work and the joy of raising a newborn.

How to support your child through exam season as a co-parent

Co-parenting through exam season isn't always easy, but it can work if both parents are committed to supporting their child.

When love learns a new language: Parenting a child with a disability

To every parent raising a child with a disability: You’re not behind. You’re not cursed. You’re not alone. You’re raising a masterpiece, one who might look different, sound different and move differently, but who who carries divine purpose in every breath.

Bridging communities, building futures

The Building Futures programme aims to strengthen and increase collaboration in communities such as George, where a pilot was done with 26 participants from different sectors across society.

Life after the suicide of a loved one

Life after the suicide of a loved one is not something anyone can ever truly prepare for. It is not a straight line of healing, nor a simple process of moving on. Instead, it is a winding journey marked by questions, contradictions and constant reminders of what has been lost.

Suicide prevention: Rethinking silence

Jabulani’s story taught me something I wish I had learned sooner: mental health struggles aren't always obvious.

How do we celebrate our young girls, not at the expense of the boy child?

The question of celebrating young girls without sidelining boys is a hot topic. And it deserves real thought, because the last thing we want is to solve one problem by creating another.

My womanhood has been defined by resilience, but I want more

In every South African home there is a story that whispers across generations. A story of women who’ve had to endure and show their resilience even when they were weary to the bone.

The quiet strength of today’s youth

South Africa’s youth are resilient, vibrant and full of potential. But beneath that resilient spirit lies a generation grappling with silent struggles. We asked some young people how they still show kindness and empathy towards others and themselves.

Playing Dad film premiere

The premiere of Playing Dad, the seventh installment in its Fathers Matter film series, brought together cast and crew, research and development contributors, corporate leaders and media partners. The evening was a celebration and a moment to reflect on the role of fathers in children's lives.

Lessons from a taxi accountant

If you’ve ever sat in the front seat of a South African taxi, you probably didn’t plan on becoming a part-time cashier with zero training and a deep fear of being yelled at by strangers. Welcome to taxi accounting – the informal financial system that makes a stokvel treasurer's job look like a holiday.