Despite troubled times and a hurtful relationship with his own father, a born-again Christian has been given the key to unlock the door to fatherhood in the Lord’s way.

It is through pain that Dr Ananias Matube (34), Dr Ananias Matube (34), a medical doctor working in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at Potchefstroom Hospital, has found purpose in his life as a proud husband and father of two children.

Both children were born to different mothers in 2022 – a point at which he had to take a hard look at where his life was headed. After studying medicine in Cuba, he had fallen into a lifestyle of alcohol and promiscuity. His life started turning around when he met his wife, Palesa, who accepted him despite his history and perceived flaws. The couple have been happily married since 2024.

“I was raised in Kanana township in Orkney and grew up with my parents separated. I only reunited with my father when I was around 14 years old, but he made a lot of false promises and had unreasonable excuses,” explains Ananias.

This is one of the main reasons why he wanted to break the cycle of pain and be a godly father to his own son, Karabelo.

“I don’t see my daughter, Ma’at, as regularly, as she stays with her maternal family. She is named after the seven principles of an ancient Egyptian belief system.”

When Ma’at was conceived, he fell into a deep depression accompanied by severe suicidal thoughts.

“I felt like I had disappointed my family beyond what was acceptable, since she was a second pregnancy outside of wedlock. But my family supported me and helped put me back on the right path. I realised that I had been living a lie and that it was time to face the truth and do the right thing. She woke me up. Both my children challenged me to become a better and more responsible human being,” adds Ananias.

Fatherhood has given him an opportunity to have fun and play with his children, while also teaching them valuable life lessons. It has also helped him better understand the importance of being present and making the most of his time.

Being cherished as a father is, in his words, one of the most incredible feelings imaginable.

“I just enjoy playing with kids. When God blessed me with my own, that was a game changer. I also love teaching and learning new things, so what I enjoy is learning new things and teaching them what I already know. I have learned that kids are far smarter and more observant than we think. That has taught me never to underestimate them, but rather to be mindful of what I say, how I say it and what I do in front of them.”

His job as a gynaecologist has also placed him front and centre in working with families and celebrating new life.

“That sigh from a mother who has just delivered a brand-new soul. A father whose words cannot express how grateful he is to finally hold his newborn baby. Those moments are priceless to me, and being a doctor who helps facilitate that process, whether during pregnancy, labour or after delivery, is truly a blessing.”

Along with the highs of helping bring children into the world come the lows of witnessing how absent parents contribute to unhealthy upbringings for many newborns.

“It actually breaks my heart that most children are born out of ignorance and carelessness on the part of their parents. Family planning is available free of charge in our country; however, it is not taken seriously. There is a high number of fatherless children because men flee from their responsibilities. Even if that sexual encounter was purely for pleasure, no child deserves to grow up without a father or a sense of identity.”

Christianity is a lifestyle for Ananias, and he strives to reflect his faith in his daily life in order to build a strong family.

“I want my kids to know Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and God Almighty. Hence, I am deeply invested in knowing and serving God.”

Ananias is also a keen runner, having taken up the sport as a teenager. Running has improved his discipline and overall fitness.

“Life is a collection of experiences. That’s my approach to life. All I want is to create moments that we can share together as a family. I want my children to one day look back and say, ‘Wow, he went all out and gave it everything he had.”