Nkosingphile Dlamini: It’s about consistency. Showing up over and over again, even when it’s inconvenient. A father figure doesn't need to say much, just be someone you can count on. I think it’s that reliability that teaches you about trust. It teaches you how to build relationships, how to take responsibility and how to stay grounded when life gets messy.
What does a father figure mean to you and why is that role important?
Lisa Nokhele: For me, a father figure is someone who sees you clearly and still believes in you. They don’t try to control you or mould you into something you’re not. They guide you. They listen. They lead with quiet strength and make you feel like your voice matters. That kind of influence stays with you.Luyanda Mapasa: A father figure gives you a sense of stability – not just financially or physically, but emotionally. It’s that quiet confidence you pick up from someone who makes you feel safe – safe to ask questions, safe to be yourself, even safe to fail sometimes. I think that presence, that steady energy, makes a huge difference in how someone grows up.Sebastien Botes: Having a role model is important, and a dad is often one of the first examples. Although my biological father wasn’t part of my life, my stepfather taught me valuable lessons that I’ll carry with me and pass on forever.Steve Leong: Being a father means taking responsibility for raising a child, showing maturity and being present, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. It’s about being available, supportive and consistent.
