He says that kids should be raised by both parents, even if the parents are no longer together they must find ways to co-parent.

“Being a father is not only being able to provide financially, but a father instills confidence, a sense of self and a whole lot more.

“As a youth director throughout the years, I have noticed how the lack of a father figure in a child’s life affects them holistically.

“A lack of a father creates cracks in the child’s development,” he explained.

According to Statistics South Africa, about 70% of black children are not staying with their fathers at home.

Masango states that such stats indicate why we are continually faced with social ills. He added that if society continues having fatherlessness, they will be a continuation of unruly youngsters who also get involved in crime.

Masango says that fatherhood is a ministry for him.

He told the Herald that although he was raised by both parents, he only got to know the essence of a father during his theology training and from his love for reading.

Also read: Nyiko starts 3000km cycle in aid of fathers’ rights

“In the Christian field I was mentored by a lot of men who taught me a lot about fatherhood, they made me understand what fatherhood is.

“When I became a father I decided that I will be a better father to my kids, ” he added.

Masango currently has one child, Prince Onyinye (7), who he spends time with during school holidays and when he’s not busy at school.

Although he is divorced from Prince’s mother, he is still an active father and never allows the separation to prevent him from his role.

As a result, he has established Presence into Fatherhood, a campaign that advocates for the rights of children in being raised by their fathers.

He conducts annual 100km walks from Polokwane to Tzaneen, creating awareness and the importance of fatherhood.

This year’s event will take place on August 27-28.

In the meantime, he hosts weekend hikes which serve as a preparation for the walk.

For more information contact Nyiko on 082 732 9669 or follow Presence into Fatherhood page on Facebook.