The first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Washington. However, it was not until 1966 that a day honouring fathers became official, when President Lyndon Johnson declared that the third Sunday in June would be Father’s Day. President Richard Nixon made this proclamation permanent in 1972.
The Miss South Africa 2022 Top 10 sent messages to the dads of South Africa as well as their own fathers ahead of the celebration this weekend.
Anarzade Omar – Crown Gardens, Johannesburg, Gauteng
What is your message to the dads of South Africa this Father’s Day?
Your hard work, determination and the sacrifices you make to care for your family never go unnoticed. I hope you remember how exemplary your actions are and that you continue to be an example to the younger generation. Remember that there will always be someone looking up to everything you do, so keep up the good work!
What is the memory of your father that you cherish the most and your message to him on Father’s Day?
The best memory I have of my father is all the road trips he has taken us on. He is such great company and always turns every outing into a history lesson, which I love. Thank you Daddy for always going the extra mile to make us happy. You’ve sacrificed a lot for us and for that I will always be grateful. I love you.
Ayanda Thabethe – Taylor’s Halt, Maritzburg, KZN
What is your message to the dads of South Africa this Father’s Day?
Being a dad is difficult, it is a full-time responsibility that requires plenty of patience. But we know that you are doing your best. Thank you for the hugs and kisses, stories and love. For being our (your children’s) friend, protector, advisor, and/or co-conspirator. Today, however, I would like to ask for more from you. More than anything I ask you to raise your sons to be as good of men as you who choose to show up every day.
I ask that you shape the minds of your sons to respect your daughters. I ask that you not only protect your daughters but teach them how to protect themselves too. It is no secret we are living in dangerous times and things seem to be getting worse! This means that we all need to step up. You are the first influential man in your daughter’s life – set the tone for how you’d like for her to be treated. Above all else, thank you and please keep doing what you’re doing.
What is the memory of your father that you cherish the most and your message to him on Father’s Day?
My dad is my best friend! I can tell him any and everything. I definitely have more in common with him and developed many of his personality traits. Our relationship has been built from all those days that he would fetch me from school, or the athletics days that he would come to and be forced to race in the parents’ 100m sprint!
Itumeleng Parage – Central Western Jabavu, Soweto , Gauteng
What is your message to the dads of South Africa this Father’s Day?
Your presence and contribution to your children’s lives is very important. It is very much appreciated and of great value. We are so much better with your love
What is the memory of your father that you cherish the most and your message to him on Father’s Day?
When I had just gotten my driver’s license, I was still very scared of driving, but my dad would always push me to go outside my comfort zone and face my fears. My favourite memory was when I finally decided to listen to him and just drive. He was sitting on the passenger seat, trusting me completely. I’ll always cherish that memory because his belief in me made me believe in myself. My message to him this Father’s Day is that I am grateful to call him my dad and appreciate everything he does for me. He is the best dad in my world!
Keaoleboga Nkashe – Itsoseng ,Ngaka Modiri Molema district, North West
What is your message to the dads of South Africa this Father’s Day?
My message to the dads of South Africa would be to be the dad that you always wanted in your life. I want fathers to know that it’s okay to cry, to not always be strong, to be vulnerable and to be true to themselves. You play a very important role in the lives of your children. Forget societal norms of what a man should be and truly embody being a father.
What is the memory of your father that you cherish the most and your message to him on Father’s Day?
I remember driving to North West on Fridays with my dad to go see my mom and on those road trips I would blast Luther Vandross on the CD player for three hours! I would sing along at the top of my lungs and my poor dad would just sit there and listen. He was my very first fan! My message to my dad would be ‘Thank you for your persevering spirit, thank you for the motivational talks, thank you for showing up for us time after time. I love you; I cherish you and I’m so privileged to call you dad. Happy Father’s Day!’
Lebogang Mahlangu – Soshanguve, Tshwane, Gauteng
What is your message to the dads of South Africa this Father’s Day?
Happy Father’s Day. Thank you to all the fathers who have embraced the role of being the first love of a woman’s life and played an active role in our lives. Your impact can never be replaced. We love and cherish you. To all the fathers who have missed out on that opportunity, please know that it is never too late to try and play your part. We only fail if we stop trying.
Luve Meyer – Brackenfell, Cape Town, Western Province
What is your message to the dads of South Africa this Father’s Day?
Fathers play such an important role in the lives of our young generation. Dads help shape our future leaders. Thank you to all the fathers for leading us, protecting us and supporting us. You are valued and loved.
What is the memory of your father that you cherish the most and your message to him on Father’s Day?
My dad is the most supportive dad I know. He is always there to love, encourage and cheer for me. My favourite memory is the times my dad and I would laugh together because we have the same sense of humour. Thank you, dad, for being one of the best people I know and for making me believe I can do anything.
Luyanda Zuma – Bisley, Maritzburg, KZN
What is your message to the dads of South Africa this Father’s Day?
My message to all fathers out there is that their presence is needed and felt. Continue to be available for your children and to be their shield and their hero. Having an emotionally unavailable father is probably one of the hardest things any child would go through. I can’t speak much on that because it’s not something I have experienced, but to all dads out there – please be emotionally available. Your children need you more than you think.
What is the memory of your father that you cherish the most and your message to him on Father’s Day?
The day that my father conducted my traditional uMhlonyana ceremony, seeing him so emotional when he had to address us was the most heart-warming thing. My father hardly ever cries but the pride on his face was so moving, especially when he did his traditional dance and sang and recited our clan names over and over. It was honestly the best thing.
Ndavi Nokeri – Premier Park, Tzaneen, Limpopo
What is your message to the dads of South Africa this Father’s Day?
Today we celebrate our leaders, our heroes and our protectors. Living in a country where women and children are constantly living in fear, it is so important for us to celebrate the fathers in our lives that show up for us and lead with love. We look up to you, we are encouraged by you and your presence in our lives makes us stronger. May you enjoy this day.
What is the memory of your father that you cherish the most and your message to him on Father’s Day?
Happy Father’s Day to the best dad in the world! My father is one of my biggest supporters and most definitely one of my favourite role models. He has had to climb some seemingly insurmountable mountains to ensure that my siblings and I had everything we needed, and he did it so gracefully. Papa thank you for always believing in me and encouraging me to do everything with excellence. The values and beliefs you’ve instilled in me, have shaped the person that I am today, a woman of faith, generosity and leadership.
Pearl Ntshehi – Centurion, Pretoria, Gauteng
What is your message to the dads of South Africa this Father’s Day?
To all our dads out there – you matter, you are loved and you are seen, thank you for playing the role of being our personal superheroes and giving us our mechanic’s lesson in changing tyres. Happy Father’s Day!
What is the memory of your father that you cherish the most and your message to him on Father’s Day?
The fondest memory I have is our trips to the book store and lunch dates. My message to my dad would be “D, thank you for the laughs and guidance, every tear wiped and all the adventures we’ve had. Happy Father’s Day D”
Tamsyn Jack – Somerset West, Western Province
What is your message to the dads of South Africa this Father’s Day?
“If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” – Mother Theresa
Fathers don’t realise the impact that they have on our lives. They are our superheroes. We look up to them for leadership, so it’s important to show respect and integrity in every word, deed and action performed.
What is the memory of your father that you cherish the most and your message to him on Father’s Day?
I have the great privilege of having two dads in my life. The best moments have been the ones where I can look at them cheering me from the sidelines and their faces bursting with pride. The day I graduated from university was an especially memorable day for me because I got to celebrate it with both of them.
The Miss South Africa pageant is back in Gauteng this year with the 2022 winner set to be crowned at Sun International’s flagship venue, the SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria. It promises to be a spectacular and entertainment-packed show and will fittingly take place during Women’s Month, on Saturday, August 13.
Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with M-Net, Mzansi Magic, Sun International and Brand South Africa. BNG is also again the official Miss South Africa celebration partner.
