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Khulile's father showed love through work, not words. He put food on the table but missed every school play, every soccer game. Now retired, that same man doesn't miss a single match when his grandson plays. This contrast is something Khulile still finds difficult to come to terms with.

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.

Community, glamour, fun and, of course, popcorn were all part of the wonderful media launch of our latest Fathers Matter film Playing Dad at Nu Metro, Hyde Park on 4 June 2025. 

Play is not soft work. It’s not a distraction from “real parenting”. It is parenting. When a child invites you into their world of play, they’re not asking for entertainment. They’re asking, “Will you take me seriously? Will you choose me?”

“We are here to imagine a better future, one where every child knows the presence and love of a father," shared Heartlines' Olefile Masangane at the Fathers Matter Ambassadors Conference in Dube, Soweto. 

Parenting changes with every generation. What worked for one father might not work for another, and each dad brings his own unique touch to raising his kids.