Stories – Fathers Matter

Is paying pap geld, being an ATM and having material wealth the only way to be a good father in South Africa?

A meeting of dads at Riverbank Primary School unlocked a debate that set out to change the hearts of men.

Meet the director of one of Heartlines' new films

Meet Rea Rangaka, the director of the first film in Heartlines' new Fathers Matter film series. Rea has extensive experience as a director and co-producer in South Africa and the USA, and has won a number of local and international awards for his work.

A food truck in Johannesburg is creating a unique space for fathers to spend time with their children and connect with other fathers.

Reforming the idea of fatherhood

A group of men at a correctional services facility in Paarl, in the Western Cape, is exploring ways they can be different fathers to the ones they had growing up and how they can be present and positively involved in their children's lives.

'I thought I could get through to my child by beating her up'

Peer pressure, unemployment and generational methods of discipline have led to frustrated fathers in Alex seeking new ways of parenting.

The Fathers Matter team is growing

Lereko Mfono and Nkosinathi Sixabayi joined Heartlines’ Fathers Matter project at the beginning of November. Lereko in the role of Project Coordinator, and Nkosinathi as the Church Lead for Fathers Matter.

Amatyma Financial Wellness Conference

On 20 November 2021, Fathers Matter Project Coordinator Lereko Mfono attended the Amatyma Financial Wellness Conference. He shares what he learnt from the event.

How fathers can pass on values to their children

Watch this sermon by Heartlines Senior Programme Manager Brian Helsby as he looks at the impact of absent fathers and what the church and Christians can do in response.

Winning essays on fathers

What does the word ‘father’ mean to you? That’s what we asked young writers across the country for our latest essay competition, run together with FunDza. These are the winning entries.