This father’s day let us celebrate single fathers
Father's face different challenges in their efforts to raise their children
June is a month dedicated to dads throughout the world.
It is time to show gratitude and appreciation to all those ever present fathers.
This Father’s Day let us take time to reflect on the importance of fathers in the lives of their children, regardless of their circumstances.
Statistic South Africa claims that over 60 per cent of South African children have absent fathers and more than 40 per cent of South African mothers are single parents.
This is based on the research done by Human Sciences Research Council in 2019.
This means two thirds of South African children grow up in homes without fathers.
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Jabulani Madonsela (34), a single father to 10-year-old Ntokozo Madonsela in Kwa-Thema, says being part of his child?s life is important.
“I have been raising my daughter since she was an infant, her mother stayed with us until she was three months old.
“Playing a positive role in her life is important because it gives me an opportunity to be part of shaping her future by teaching her the basics, such as self-respect and so forth.
“She will grow up knowing what a father’s love is.
“But most importantly is knowing that her needs are taken care of and her knowing that whenever she needs me I am always available.”
He says so far he hasn’t encountered much challenges.
“Honestly, I am dreading the teenage stage, once puberty kicks in and all of that but I want for us to have the kind of relationship whereby she will be comfortable to confide in me about anything.”
Unlike Madonsela, Moses Nkosi claims he hasn’t been able to see his son due to conflicts between him and the mother of his child.
“Being there for your children means being part of their childhood as they grow up, understanding what it is that they love and need.
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“It means walking the path with them, being involved with their educational needs and supporting them emotionally and mentally, because children nowadays go through a lot more compared to us back in the days.
“Creating an environment which is friendly and does not cause harm to them, it is very sad when parents use their children as weapons to fights against one another,” explains Nkosi.
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