Organisation in eMbalenhle hosts dialogue to reconnect fathers and sons
According to Doctor Thanjekwayo, the co-ordinator of the Men’s Voice, the initiative was driven by increasing concern over the lack of father figures in many households.
The Men’s Voice organisation recently hosted a dialogue and soccer event in eMbalenhle Ext 1, aimed at bridging the generational gap between men and boys while tackling social challenges such as GBV.
The event brought together fathers and sons for a friendly soccer tournament, followed by open conversations about fatherhood, GBV, responsibility and the importance of strong family bonds.
According to Doctor Thanjekwayo, the co-ordinator of the Men’s Voice, the initiative was driven by increasing concern over the lack of father figures in many households.
“In many cases of GBV, the root cause can be traced back to the absence of a father figure in a young boy’s life. Our goal is to help men reclaim their rightful roles in raising respectful and responsible children,” said Thanjekwayo.
He said the soccer match, though not competitive, served as a tool to spark communication and bonding.
“After the match, we asked fathers how it felt to be on the field with their sons. Many admitted they had never shared such a moment, some don’t even greet their children at home because of a lack of dialogue,” Thanjekwayo added.
The dialogue session had a deep emotional impact. One father and son reconciled after years of estrangement, a moment Thanjekwayo described as a powerful testament to the event’s purpose.
Constable Nomthandazo Masina of the eMbalenhle SAPS, who also attended the event, emphasised the importance of father involvement.
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“If more fathers stepped into their children’s lives, we could drastically reduce the number of drug addicts and criminal cases in our community,” she said.
Masina pointed to the troubling rise in young boys loitering near foreign-owned shops, begging for money, behaviour that often escalates to drug abuse and crime.
“It all starts with the absence of men in their children’s lives. If fathers are present, we can save a generation,” Masina added.
Closing the event, Thanjekwayo reaffirmed the organisation’s mission, “We aim to build a better society rooted in love, accountability and peace.”
