Deepening commitment to positive fatherhood in Soweto

On 3 May 2025, as more than 80 leaders from across Johannesburg and its surrounding areas gathered at Hope To You Church in Dube, Soweto for a Fathers Matter Ambassadors Conference (FMAC), keynote speaker Olefile Masangane set the tone and intention for the day by saying: “We are here to imagine a better future, one where every child knows the presence and love of a father.” This opened the door for a time of honest assessment and brainstorming practical solutions for the communities that were represented. 

Participants included sports coaches, pastors, educators and community leaders, who shared from their personal experiences during the discussions. They spoke about the daily realities they encounter in their communities, such as the prevalence of single-parent households, drug addiction, gangsterism and school dropouts.

The small group discussions were based around geographical regions, including Johannesburg South, Johannesburg North, Pretoria, West Rand, and Soweto, The groups discussed the specific challenges in their areas and explored ways to collaborate beyond the event. By connecting with others from similar contexts, each group began laying the groundwork for taking Fathers Matter forward in ways that are not only relevant but sustainable for their specific environments.

Some of the silent struggles raised were around supporting overwhelmed parents and how vulnerable young people can be, especially those who are searching for belonging and purpose. In each case, the focus was on identifying where the church, men, and broader community could intervene more effectively by finding the key gaps where more support is urgently needed.

Bringing women into the conversation

One gap that Fathers Matter has been made aware of is the need for women to feature more prominently in the discussion around fatherlessness in our country. A significant moment in the day came when Ps. Fikile Poka introduced a pilot version of a new women’s resource. This pre-showing invited participants, especially the women present, to share their honest feedback and experiences. For many participants, it was the first time they felt truly included in this conversation in a tangible way.

The response was immediate and heartfelt, with one participant saying, “Thank you for finally making space for us. We have been asking, what about the mothers? What about the daughters?” Another participant reflected on how his understanding had shifted after watching the resource: “Honestly, after watching it I realised that this conversation is very necessary. I believe every woman whose life is touched by the presence or absence of fathers should see this.”

Several women spoke about how girls were who grow up without a father figure are at risk, highlighting concerns around safety, self-esteem and healthy holistic development. One mother articulated it powerfully by saying: “It is dangerous for a girl child not to have a father in the house.”

Carrying the work forward

By the end of the conference, participants had outlined practical steps to continue the work beyond the event itself. They agreed to support each other’s initiatives, with Father’s Day and Youth Day being identified as key dates. Schools and early childhood development centres were also mentioned as spaces in which a direct impact could be made. Participants also committed to ongoing networking, sharing resources, and regular check-ins to maintain momentum and accountability.

The focus for 2025 has been on investing deeply in those already involved and equipping them with practical resources, training, and support. The goal is for participants to be ready to run Fathers Matter programmes, lead discussions, and create real change in their communities, whether by starting connect groups or simply advocating for greater involvement from fathers and social fathers at every level of community life.