Fathers Matter is Heartlines' flagship programme
Fathers Matter , Garth Japhet , NewsWhen we first introduced the Fathers Matter programme, we had one clear mission: to address a deep and often unspoken wound that many South Africans carry. For some, that wound comes from fathers who left. For others, it’s shaped by generational pain where absence, shame and unresolved relationships have been passed down.
Many of us grew up carrying not only our own experiences, but also the emotional weight inherited from our families. We inherited the wounds of our mothers because our fathers left, while others inherited the anger of their grandparents because our fathers “brought shame” to their household and never returned to make things right.
While these reasons are valid, they have also, in many cases, become barriers to making amends and having fathers return, reconcile and actively participate in their children's lives.
A clearer organisational focus
As we refine our organisational strategy, Fathers Matter is being positioned as our flagship programme. During the 2026 team breakaway, Heartlines CEO Dr Garth Japhet shared that: “We had to look at all our programmes and make a decision as to which programme would make the biggest impact.” The data is clear and “we know that 60% of children grow up without their biological fathers,” and if we think about it, “the biggest sin of 300 years of segregation was this – the destruction of family.”
What to expect in the coming year
As we move forward, our goal is “to halve fatherlessness within a generation”. Garth also emphasised how important it is to make people understand “Why Fathers Matter”. “Most of our country does not understand why fathers matter,” and this is because “ our lived experience is that we (men) are not present, and that is why many do not believe that Fathers Matter”.
Our 2019 Fathers Matter report showed us that there are many barriers that prevent fathers from being present. Dr Garth says that “the positive presence of a father or father figure mitigates a lot of the social ills that we see today”. “We are going to take people on a journey so that they understand what impact a present father has in mitigating issues like education, abuse, and violence, etc.”
South Africa has a father absence problem, but not a father figure issue.
Over the years, since the introduction of Fathers Matter, we have seen why this will be the program that makes the change that we want to see. So, as we embark on this journey to halve fatherlessness within a generation, may we remember the impact that positive, present father figures play in all our lives.
Bonolo Mokua
Bonolo is a multimedia journalist and content creator at Heartlines. She has experience in online and radio media production and helps spread the Heartlines message on multiple platforms.
Featured
Innovative mentorship programme launched to grow South Africa’s youth and the country’s future
Read more about Innovative mentorship programme launched to grow South Africa’s youth and the country’s futureYou may also like
How we can overcome bullying and build safer schools
Through initiatives involving young people, communities, education and law enforcement, dedicated South Africans are working to reduce violence and inspire empathy and trust.
Read more about How we can overcome bullying and build safer schools
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.
Read more about Rethinking Fatherhood, Gender, and Masculinity in South Africa: A Symposium on Youth Perspectives
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.
Read more about Hey dads, big news about parental leave
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.
Read more about How do we celebrate our young girls, not at the expense of the boy child?
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.
Read more about Playing Dad film premiere