PCOB president is a loyal father too

POLOKWANE – Sunday is Father’s Day, a special day that the family spends with the man of the house, treating him with all kinds of surprises.

Review spoke to the newly-elected Polokwane Chamber of Business (PCOB) president, Simphiwe Mdlalose, about his views on Father’s Day.

Simphiwe is married to Clara, a businesswoman and they have five children, Mbali (21), Mfundo (18), twins Mbasa and Wonga (11) and Siyanda (14 months).

“One of the most important values of being a father is to share my children’s life story with them and to be always part of it; from when they are small babies, throughout their school careers until they leave home.

“I want to be part of their world, to be in the pictures taken with them and to share their lessons on their journey from when they are children for as long as I will live,” says Simphiwe.

He says he finds a balance between being a devoted father and a successful businessman by making sure he spends adequate time with his family; usually on Sundays.

“Sunday is a family day for us. We go to church and then we thave lunch together. We also like spending time reading newspapers as a family on Sundays.

“This day is an important day for me to spend with my family, especially with our youngest. I really try to spend time with him. Children do not stay babies forever and I want to spend as much time as possible with my children and wife,” he says.

He says his role as a father is that of a role model, father and friend and that it is important to allow your children the freedom and space so they can learn to grow as adults.

“When my eldest child decided what she wanted to study after school, it was not what I had in mind for her and it was difficult for me to accept it at first, but I knew it was her choice and I had to allow it. Now that she has my support, she is fully committed to her studies. I will guide and support her throughout, because this is what fatherhood should be about,” he says.

He says his family spoils him on Father’s Day with leadership from his wife, Clara.

“Clara and the children give me such passionate acknowledgement with their Father’s Day messages. We have lunch where each child tells me what I mean to them as a father. That, to me, is more important than any gift. To have such children is already a gift in itself and a true blessing.”

Simphiwe says the recipe for his success as a businessman is family values and an integrated family that works and gets along in harmony.

“As Christians, we value our faith. We go to church as a family on Sundays. God will always remain our source of inspiration and success. Prayer is symbolic to our family and it is important that our children learn these values,” he says.