Being a father

No two generations of fathers raise their children in quite the same way. Andile’s experience shows that the next chapter of fatherhood is written by choosing how to carry the good parts of the past forward while changing the parts that caused harm.

To every parent raising a child with a disability: You’re not behind. You’re not cursed. You’re not alone. You’re raising a masterpiece, one who might look different, sound different and move differently, but who who carries divine purpose in every breath.

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.

Lutho’s story reminds us that fatherhood is not always soft, and love is not always easy to recognise. But even in the cracks, even in the hard edges, there is something to be learned. 

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.

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?”

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.

Watching your child face disappointment – whether it is repeating a grade, not making a sports team, or being excluded from university due to finances – is one of the hardest things for a father. 

As we approach International Children's Day, it's a time to celebrate not just the joy and wonder that children bring into our lives, but also the invaluable wisdom they impart.

The sporting world is all about performance but by equipping coaches with the Fathers Matter resources and inspiring them to embrace their role as mentors and father figures.