Soccer legend shares his first time fatherhood

Soccer legend Siphiwe Tshabalala, motivated young and first-time fathers on the importance of being there for their children and being involved in their well-being.

Tshabalala was a guest speaker during a Father’s Day event incorporated with the International Albinism Awareness Day organised by The Johnson’s Baby Healthy Skin Project.

June 13 was International Albinism Awareness Day and June 17 was Father’s Day.

To commemorate both days, The Johnson’s Baby Healthy Skin Project hosted an event in Tembisa on June 15.

The event was held at The Royal House International Church based at Entshonalanga Section.

The event aimed to celebrate all the hardworking and loving fathers and at the same time extend support and drive recognition and a better understanding of the issues surrounding albinism.

Tshabalala also talked about his experiences as a first-time father and what he has learned thus far.

“To all the fathers, please love your children. Your child might see me as a role model but before they idolise you, you need to be their role model first because love begins at home. And if you respect your child and spend time with them they will always appreciate that, also be careful of how you speak to them as hurtful words can become an internal scar.”

Tshabalala thanked all the single mothers in attendance.

“I would also like to thank all the mother’s who raised their children by themselves and to those mothers I would like to say Happy Father’s Day.”

Tshabalala was joined by Lwandle Maphanga and her parents (Siphiwe Makama and Benjamin Maphanga) who educated people about the myths surrounding albinism and the importance of good skin care practice for children with albinism.

“I fear for my child’s life every day. I worry when she is playing outside due to all the attacks on people with albinism. As her father I also didn’t know anything about albinism and when she was born I was worried that society wouldn’t welcome her but now she is a little celebrity. She is so confident and makes friends easily,” said Benjamin.

The Johnson’s Baby Healthy Skin Project donated 100 vouchers to the community of Tembisa.

The vouchers can be redeemed at any Unjani Clinic for a free consultation for babies.

“By 2020, we aim to improve the health of more than three million babies in South Africa,” said the JOHNSON’S® Baby portfolio manager, Jacquelyn Paterson. The Johnson’s Baby Healthy Skin Project was launched in 2017.

The Johnson’s Baby Healthy Skin Project aims to achieve the following:

• Give thousands of mothers and babies in need access to treatment through Unjani clinics;

• Educate mothers about skin health for babies – through a mass awareness campaign that aims to improve overall health through better skin health for babies;

• Strengthen health systems in vulnerable districts by investing in Unjani clinics, contributing to the establishment of new Unjani clinics and providing training and resources for Unjani nurses;

• Work with dermatologists and healthcare influencers to educate parents on how to attain healthy skin for healthier babies;

• Sponsor JOHNSON’S® Baby products and educational material to improve skin health for babies in need.