Stories – Fathers Matter

We want men to have a positive impact in children's lives

For boys who are growing up without their fathers around, male mentorship gives them important support and positive role models.

Passing down biking passion to the next generation

Ahead of Father’s Day on 18 June, Heartlines partnered up with the Ride with a Boy Child initiative, hosted by the Greater Soweto Bikers, to support fathers and bikers who want to be more actively involved in their sons’ lives.

A happy Father’s Day for the dads of Alex

Making safe spaces for fathers and their children to spend time together in celebration of Father's Day.

Fathers can be great caregivers

Old ideas about what a father should be and do are changing. It’s important to start having important conversations about how fathers can be present and contribute more to their children’s lives than just money.

Papa do my hair

Is haircare a woman's job? Mahlatse Mashua doesn't think so. When his daughter asked him to do her hair while his wife was away, he realised he needed to learn some practical skills.

Fathers Matter and Stellenbosch FC

Professional athletes face serious pressure through their careers and they need positive relational support on their journeys. This can be from their fathers, or social fathers around them who give them encouragement and guidance.

How to show up even when money is tight

There is lots of pressure on men to provide financially for their children. But what happens when they don't have a job? Here are some ideas for ways fathers can care for their children when money is tight.

Finding light in the dark

Loadshedding is adding stress and frustration to our lives. But perhaps there are ways we can still use the difficult times during power outages to connect with our children?

Dads Connect Fun Day in Pictures

Fathers Matter and Sisanda Henna hosted a fun day on Saturday 26 November 2022 for fathers and their children to spend some quality time together enjoying fun, food and community together.

Breaking down generational narratives of masculinity

Meet Eric Mogale, the director of Manskap, one of the six films in Heartlines’ Fathers Matter Film Series. Eric has worked as a creative director, director and producer for a number of well-known South African productions.

'We all need to be engaged in the act of raising children'

Zamo Mkhwanazi is an experienced filmmaker who has worked on television shows, short films and feature films. She shares her thoughts on being a director in the Fathers Matter film series and why she thinks South Africa needs to be talking about the realities of fatherhood.

Fathers Matter hosts its first in-person networking event

With COVID-19 restrictions now lifted, Fathers Matter was able to host its first in-person networking event in Rosebank, Johannesburg on 28 July 2022. Find out what the event was all about.