Stories – Fathers Matter

Heartlines hosts author workshop for fatherhood research publication

Head of Research at Heartlines, Livhuwani Maphorogo, convened a workshop for authors contributing to an upcoming Heartlines publication on interdisciplinary perspectives on fatherhood, masculinity and youth in South Africa.

Fathering my father

Themba has carried the strange inheritance of needing to father his father, and has come to believe that it means three different things. Read his powerful reflections.

My lesson in true leadership

When one of his social fathers invited Lehlohonolo to a leadership moment, things didn't turn out quite as he'd expected. But he learnt a life-changing lesson that he still relies on today.

What going to the mountains can teach our boys about becoming men

Initiation Series: Part 2

This second article in our initiation series looks at what boys can learn about becoming men who lead well from their time at initiation school.

Where are the safe spaces that teach men how to father?

Fatherhood can sometimes feel quite lonely, because no one tells you how to father. When a woman gives birth her village automatically takes arm and offers support, advice, meal plans and encouragement. But as a new dad you can find yourself navigating this journey largely on your own.

When your son goes to the mountain: Why single mothers need support too

Initiation Series: Part 1

This first article in our initiation series looks at the experiences of single mothers as their sons take an important step in their journey to adulthood.

How biological fathers and stepfathers can successfully co-parent

Where there are “bonus parents” in a family, it's important for the dads, stepdads and other male caregivers to find ways to work together to make their co-parenting relationship beneficial for the child.

How dads define manhood for their daughters

Women's experiences of fatherhood shape how we see ourselves, and our place in the world. And as women, young or old, we owe it to ourselves to begin the work of coming to terms with our own father story and how it’s impacted who we are today.

My father's love language

As we think about our father stories, it can help to remember that fathers are people, just like us. And sometimes, connection grows from understanding how they give and receive love.

I am a father: Reflections on fatherhood, legacy and presence

I owe my being to the love and bond with my children, the joys and challenges of raising them, the precious moments and shared experiences that define the essence of fatherhood.

See the winning competition entries

See some of the winning entries from our Youth Month Competition. The competition was an opportunity for children to share their views about fatherhood. There were some powerful, inspiring and moving submissions.

'I grew up without a father and I turned out fine'

We are very sure about fatherlessness, and that's a problem. Themba Dlamini shares how one radio conversation exposed a national blind spot about faterhood in South Africa.

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