Letter from Glenville Boeda Fransman

South Africa’s youth are facing some of the toughest challenges in our nation’s history. Poverty, unemployment, broken families, and crime weigh heavily on their future. At the heart of these struggles lies a crisis of fatherhood.

When fathers are present, children grow stronger, families thrive, and communities flourish. When fathers are absent, generations stumble. Many men today grew up without strong father figures. Apartheid’s migrant labour system and forced removals tore families apart, leaving boys without guidance and role models.

But history does not have to dictate destiny. Fathers today can choose differently. They can break the cycle and build a new legacy of love, presence, and responsibility. Men carry heavy burdens. Society often measures their worth by financial success, yet unemployment and hardship leave many feeling defeated. Depression, substance abuse, and violence are tragic consequences of these pressures. But true fatherhood is not defined by wealth—it is defined by presence.

Children do not need perfection; they need fathers who show up with love, courage, and guidance. Change is possible. Communities can mentor, schools can teach values, and churches can become centres of healing where men are equipped to be better fathers and leaders. Young people, too, can grow in empathy by understanding the struggles of past generations.

Together, we can restore hope, rebuild families, and strengthen communities. To every father and young man: you are not defined by your struggles but by your potential. Rise above the pain. Rise into your calling. Scripture reminds us that God is “a Father to the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5). By strengthening fathers, we strengthen families; by strengthening families, we strengthen South Africa. The time to rise is now.

Prof. Fazel Ebrihiam Freeks identifies father absence as a global crisis, ranking it the fourth biggest problem after drugs, violence, and unemployment. With single-parent rates around 44–45%, fatherlessness has become a destructive force that weakens families and communities. Children without fathers often face identity struggles, behavioural risks, and economic hardship, while society bears the generational impact.

His urgent question: “Where are our fathers?” Calls for renewed commitment to responsible fatherhood and stronger family support systems. Men’s health and mental health are critical yet heavily neglected areas of well-being. Because societal norms often encourage men to hide vulnerabilities, many suffer in silence.