As we will celebrate Father’s Day on 18 June, we speak with some young successful fathers who share their experience as parents.
Mthembeni Ndevu, Emtee: award winning rapper
What has fatherhood taught you about yourself?
That I can be responsible, and take care of my son. Before he was born that was one of my fears. I’m capable of not only being a father but a family man. Fatherhood showed me that I am capable of real love. That’s the first person I’ve felt real love from. He’s like a mini-me; he dresses like me and identifies me. When I get home he already runs to the gate.
What are the highlights of being a father?
It has been going to the Awards and functions with him, celebrating his birthdays even though I missed his second birthday, and shopping with him. I do almost everything with him; I want him to see certain things while his still young.
As a dad, what lessons do you aim to teach your son?
To keep it real; that he should be honest with himself and people around him, to always be true and importantly, to take care of his mom
How do you balance your hectic career and being a dad?
It’s difficult because you have to make sacrifices, sometimes I can’t be with him for as long as I would like to. But I have to bring home the money so he can eat.
What is the one thing you wish for, for your child and what is the main thing you would like him to know?
My son is my best friend. We relate a lot and we look alike. It would be great to know that I am the best friend he will ever have. Even though he will have his own friends. I’m not an overly strict parent so he will have a lot of fun with me.
L-Tech, rapper from the group, TLT
What has fatherhood taught you about yourself?
It taught me responsibility, it taught me to think things through before I act. I am more vigilant and content with myself.
What are the highlights of being a father?
Being responsible for someone’s life and having fun with my child. I love watching him grow.
As a dad, what lessons do you aim to teach your child?
He should value every opportunity he gets, he shouldn’t be arrogant. I would like him to remain humble and show everyone respect.
How do you balance your hectic career and being with your family?
I try to make as much time as possible. I try to see them every opportunity that I get when I am not working.
What is the one thing you wish for, for your child and what is the main thing you would like him to know?
I want him to be the BEST version of himself; I want him to know that I love him and will support him in all he does.
Sabelo, Mtshali, DJ Sabby, YFM DJ (From 3 pm- 6 pm)
What has fatherhood taught you about yourself?
I live a very fast life and that has become my day to day approach to everything I do. Being a father has taught me to calm down, relax and then face the situation. Sometimes he would cry for no reason and my first instinct would be to check his nappy or offer him food but if the food does not match with his feeding routine I realise that that is not the problem but he just wants to hang and be around us. So he has reminded me of the purpose of checking everything I do before I sign it off or just be more alert with my hustle. I’m more calm and effective now because of him.
What are the highlights of being a father?
There are so many highlights. My biggest highlight has to be his face when he sees me every day when I come back from work. He gives me different looks every day but the silent stare is everything. It’s like he discovers something new about my face every day. We have a small ritual that he takes a 15-minute nap on my chest before his night bath and those moments are priceless. Our hearts sync and I think we bond during this time.
As a dad, what lessons do you aim to teach your son?
That having a penis does not make you a man. You are just biologically a man but your actions will make you the best man you can ever be. I want him to understand that failing is going to be his best teacher with everything he tries to do and his winnings no matter how big or small they are, celebrate them!
How do you balance your career and being with your family?
I’m using every single second I get that is free to spend with my new family. I never want him to go a full day without seeing me or hearing from me. I want our relationship to be so solid that he knows dad is always available even though he gets that I have a busy schedule. I will always make time for them because family is everything.
What is the one thing you wish for, for your son and what is the main thing you would like them to know in life?
I want him to know that life was never designed to be easy, life is just that life. Plan your day, have goals and set your dreams so high that the moon seems so close but always have room for the unexpected. I want him to understand that anything he gives attention and focus to will eventually become a reality. It might not happen tomorrow but when the time is right, it will come into existence. You are what you pay attention too!
Pheko Kgengoe, Music Publicist
What has fatherhood taught you about yourself?
It has taught me that I am actually braver than I thought because I’ve actually chased more of my goals in the past year than I have before him. I’m trying to build a better future for my family.
What are the highlights of being a father?
Watching him grow and figure things out, but the one thing I think is my favourite is how he makes my heart smile, no matter what my mood is, as soon as I see him my day gets better. I adore him.
As a dad, what lessons do you aim to teach your child?
Be kind, stand your ground and always say thank you. I think these are great qualities to live life by.
How do you balance your hectic career and being with your family?
It’s really tricky. I sleep less just to make sure that I can give both some attention. It’s not easy… you have to sacrifice something in order to make it work and I’d rather lose sleep.
What is the one thing you wish for, for your child and what is the main thing you would like them to know?
I wish him happiness and an abundance of love because the world needs more of that. I want him to know that he is the best thing that happened to me. He gives my life meaning.
KDanielles Media would like to wish all the great dads a Happy Fathers’ Day
