FathersMatter_za

06/10/2026

34%💜🩶

Just over a third of South African children live with both of their biological parents. But research shows it's the quality of that relationship, not just who is in the house, that shapes a child.

Airwalker 🎬

Zoë's parents are both still in her life, but their constant fighting is what actually pushes her towards a moment that could cost her everything. Watch Airwalker: https://www.heartlines.org.za/fathers-matter/films/airwalker

01/10/2026

According to data from the State of South Africa’s Fathers report, only 36% of South African children live in the same household as their biological fathers.

Family Portrait 🎬

Ayize is a young father trying to stay actively involved in his newborn daughter's life, but money keeps getting in the way.
Can he still be a good father without a steady income?

Watch Family Portrait:
https://www.heartlines.org.za/fathers-matter/films/family-portrait

Ayize is a struggling artist who becomes a new father. But he must prove to his rather terrifying and tough mother-in-law Cecelia that he is good enough to be a good dad, even though he can’t provide financially.

28/09/2026

In Time - 50%

50%💜🩶
Approximately 50% of South African men who are fathers do not have daily contact with their children.

In Time 🎬
Lerumo works far from home, but when his daughter gets an opportunity that could shape her future, he makes the effort to be there. Watch In Time: https://www.heartlines.org.za/fathers-matter/films/in-time

Lerumo is a gold miner who works on a mine far away from his daughter Bokamoso. Despite this, he is a loving father who spares nothing to show up for his child.

22/09/2026

🌱 Confidence grows when children are encouraged to keep trying. Your encouragement helps your child believe they can overcome obstacles, even when things feel difficult.

🎥 Watch how this moment from Playing Dad shows the difference a father's encouragement can make.

🫵Dad Challenge: Encourage your child to try again before stepping in. Patiently ask guiding questions that help them problem solve.

⬇️Download the ECD: Tips for Dads to be Involved resource:
https://www.heartlines.org.za/fathers-matter/resources/ecd-tips-for-dads-to-be-involved

16/09/2026

🫂Every family has difficult moments. What matters is how we reconnect.
Saying sorry, listening and reminding your child they're loved helps rebuild trust. and It also teaches them that relationships can heal.

🎥 Watch how this moment from Playing Dad shows the power of repairing after conflict.

🫵Dad Challenge: Where there is a difficult moment between you and your child, reconnect in a calm and caring way.

⬇️Download ECD: Tips for Dads to be Involved resource: https://www.heartlines.org.za/fathers-matter/resources/ecd-tips-for-dads-to-be-involved

14/09/2026

👂Every feeling deserves to be heard.

🌱When children feel safe to express their emotions, they learn how to understand and manage them with confidence.

🎥 Watch how this moment from Playing Dad reminds us that listening with empathy helps children feel seen, safe and supported.

🫵Dad Challenge: Ask your child how they're feeling today and listen without interrupting.

⬇️Download the ECD: Tips for Dads to be Involved resource: https://www.heartlines.org.za/fathers-matter/resources/ecd-tips-for-dads-to-be-involved

09/09/2026

🎁The best gift you can give your child is your time.
Whether you're making supper together, playing a game or reading a story, everyday moments help children feel loved, valued and connected.

🎥Watch how this moment from Playing Dad shows that meaningful connection is built through ordinary moments together.

🫵Dad Challenge: Spend 10 intentional, uninterrupted minutes with your child today.

⬇️Download the ECD: Tips for Dads to be Involved resource: https://www.heartlines.org.za/fathers-matter/resources/ecd-tips-for-dads-to-be-involved

07/09/2026

❤️Love isn't only something children hear. It's something they feel.
A hug. A high five. A cuddle during story time. Small moments of affection help children feel safe, secure and deeply loved.

🎥Watch how this moment from Playing Dad reminds us that affection is one of the simplest ways to strengthen the bond with your child.

🫵Dad Challenge: Even if it doesn't come naturally, be deliberate in showing Show your child one extra moment of affection today.

⬇️Download the ECD: Tips for Dads to be Involved resource: https://www.heartlines.org.za/fathers-matter/resources/ecd-tips-for-dads-to-be-involved

03/09/2026

☀️Hillbrow, come check out our latest film🎬

Heartlines is running a Fathers Matter Workshop right here in your community, and we'll be presenting alongside The Character Company, who facilitate social fathers mentoring young boys.

A morning for fathers, father figures, coaches and community men. If you're in Hillbrow and want to be part of shaping young lives, come through.

📅 Saturday 5 September 2026
🕘 09:00am - 12:00pm (includes film screening🎥)
📍 MES, Hillbrow, Jozi ( 68 Claim Street, Hillbrow (MHA/MES BG Alexander Complex))

Snacks and refreshments on us, in partnership with Jozi_My_Jozi.

01/09/2026

💜Can traditional barriers to father involvement after birth be viewed as a time meant for convalescence, a mother resting while a circle of women holds her and her child.

For Zamabongo, that season became less about doing it all and more about being cared for, surrounded by matriarchal presence and guidance.🩶

🔗Explore the FathersMatter_za resource, A Conversation for Women: https://www.heartlines.org.za/.../a-conversation-for-women