Fathers Matter Stakeholders

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.

Fathers Matter wasn’t created to invalidate the important role that mothers play. We want to highlight and support the positive and active role fathers and men play in the lives of children, in order to lessen the risks linked to the absence of fathers or positive male role models.

It’s not in the boardroom, at the office or on the sports field where a father matters most, but right at home, says Zane Meas.

Watch the highlights of Fathers Matter's work with PSL team Stellenbosch FC.

For boys who are growing up without their fathers around, male mentorship gives them important support and positive role models. 

The Character Company is a long term MENtorship program for young boys growing up with absent fathers or no positive male role models in their lives, dedicated to mentoring young boys to become men of strong character.

Sikunye seeks to inspire, mobilise and equip the church to support parents, caregivers and families to provide nurturing care for their children in the first 1000 days of life, so that they can thrive and reach their God-given potential. 

The Black Male Positivity Project started in 2022 as a way to explore critical and challenging issues within African male communities.

The ReStory Foundation empowers the marginalized, especially orphans and vulnerable children and youth, to be courageous agents of change.

The Parent Centre is dedicated to the prevention of violence against children. Its work focuses on empowering parents and caregivers to be confident in their role, to be responsible and involved parents who can build positive, loving relationships with their children and manage their children’s behaviour effectively and without using violence.

Epic Youth Matters envisions equipped young people in South Africa overcoming challenges, seizing opportunities and making meaningful contributions to their communities.