Creating space for boys to share their father stories

Held at the Brixton Multipurpose Centre in Johannesburg, the event kicked off with a screening of one of the six Fathers Matter short films, Everything A Boy Could Want, directed by veteran thespian Zane Meas.

After viewing the film, the boys, mentors and facilitators who attended the event had an honest and vulnerable discussion about their experiences of fatherhood. The boys, some of whom had never shared their feelings about fatherhood before, opened up in ways that were both heartbreaking and incredibly brave. Their stories were a testament to the fact that fatherhood isn’t just about biological ties; it’s about emotional presence, mentorship and unconditional love.

The men who facilitated the day also led from a place of openness and vulnerability. Seasoned mentor, Pastor Gregg Boas, listened, guided and provided a safe space for honest communication.

Former inmate Rendani Tshivase delivered the keynote speech and shared his story of hope and restoration. His criminal activities led to him spending a large chunk of his child’s formative years behind bars for armed robbery, but he managed to turn his life around and prioritise God and his family.

Redmond Louw then shared his perspective as a former troubled teenager. The absence of his father left him seeking to fill the void through risky behaviours and substance abuse at a dangerously young age. But he changed his life around, becoming committed to his family and taking on the role of modelling healthy masculinity in his community.

The contributions from the day’s facilitators underscored the importance of having positive male role models – men who are willing to show up, listen and be present in young people’s lives.

In the afternoon, the boys participated in team-building games that were designed to foster trust, cooperation and a sense of camaraderie. The boys’ interactions, laughter and support for one another demonstrated the transformative power of shared experiences.

Heartlines facilitator and one of the lead coordinators of the day, Tshepo Sithole, said that the event was an important example of the value of hosting important conversations in our communities. “It was encouraging to see the way that stakeholders were invested and willing to participate in having these important conversations with young people,” he said.