Father’s Day for the fatherless to be held

The day is meant for children who are single parented and children in orphanages. On June 23 last year, the DOZ launched and hosted the same event and saw its growth not only in attendance, but in value and impact. “Single-parent households have become the norm in South Africa, with the majority of children growing up with one parent. It is also said that only a third of children are growing up living with both their parents. Nine million children (48 percent) are growing up with absent but living fathers,” said Ms Xoli Tetana, chairperson of the DOZ.

She said increasing numbers of fathers are absent and a crisis of men in South Africa seems to be perpetuating patterns of abuse and desertion that will most likely continue. “We are expecting more than 500 men. We are going to extend more invitations to churches, communities, orphanages, children from informal settlements around and shelters,” said Ms Tetana. The theme for the event is ‘Man of Worth’. The event will be held at the Faith Centre Assembly, number 6, 21st Street in Malvern. For more information contact the DOZ on 011 042-8548 or e-mail dozwelfarenetwork@gmail.com @JoburgJourno