Stories – Fathers Matter

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.

No rule books for dads

Fathers Matter Ambassador Michael Mol shares the lessons he has learnt as a father.

Fathering – The new story

Fathers Matter Ambassador Mahlatse Mashua shares about his experience as a father.

Being a single father

Gosiame shares the joys and challenges of being a single father to his daughter.

Understanding our experiences of fatherhood

Our experiences with our own fathers can impact how we father our children. Understanding our stories can help us heal and grow.

Choosing to write a new story: becoming a parent after a difficult childhood

After a challenging childhood, Quinton Pretorius and his wife have chosen to raise their children in a radically different way.

Social fathers and other male role models can have a huge impact in a child's life. David shares his story of being an adoptive father to his youngest son.

Fathers Matter