Building Bonds: A Heartwarming Gathering in Soshanguve

By Mncedisi Maseko

X: @fmsquared_sa

 In the heart of Soshanguve block BB, a unique gathering of fathers and boy children took place, where both fathers and children gathered in unison with the aim of bringing a gap between fathers and boy children and mending broken hearts.

The venue was turned into a place of Hope as people gathered to share their stories, support each other, and rebuild connections that had been lost.

Fathers and boy children who attended the event. Credit: Mncedisi Maseko

The event was hosted by different speakers, Molefe Musi (facilitator), Lucky Mahlangu (founder), Desmond Dube (Heartlines), Mr. Sejake (Men and children custody), Momo (passive income streams), Mr. Sejake (Men and children custody).

Molefe Musi the events  facilitator states, “We are here bridging the gap between a father and a son, what we are trying to archive out of this gathering is that, we are trying to strengthen the bond of a father, and a son, and that the should be no barriers between the two and the shouldn’t be gap between them, and stop this thing of fathers being viewed as strict or being feared and also to make a boy child understand what is the role of a father.”

           

Molefe Musi the events facilitator speaking to the attendees.
 Credit Mncedisi Maseko 

An organization known as Heartlines was also there to support the vision of the event. Their main aim is to turn real-life stories into videos so that viewers can watch and learn. They brought a projector to showcase their work and played a movie titled -In Time.

                               

The movie, which you can watch 👉(here), follows Lerumo, a gold miner working far from his wife Amanda and daughter Bokamoso. Lerumo, a devoted father, is determined to support Bokamoso at an important athletics scholarship race. Despite numerous obstacles, he strives to be there, cheering her on from the sidelines.

Desmond Chauke, a heartlines facilitator states, “We are here to speak to social ills and how we deliver our massage is we use storytelling as a tool that we go into the communities with to use that storytelling into bring about positive values that people should leave by.”

group discussions between fathers and sons. Credit Mncedisi Maseko

Heartlines also provided their own definitions of various topics and themes relevant to the event. One key definition that stood out in their slideshow was the definition of a father. They described a father as someone who is not only your biological parent but also someone who plays a vital role in your life, such as a coach, uncle, grandfather, or even a teacher.                              

Children who attended were treated to their own section complete with a jumping castle, creating a lively and playful environment where they could interact freely. The laughter and excitement of the children provided a heartwarming backdrop to the serious conversations happening among the adults. The young ones also enjoyed playing a game of 'Simon Says' with their fathers, which brought smiles, laughter, and a sense of camaraderie to all involved.

                                

Thabiso Malatji, an attendee said, “As first time attendee I learned a lot today about the importance of fathers within our communities and my perspective about absent fathers has somehow been triggered in a positive way as now I believe that some fathers are not absent because of finances that leads to them divorcing causing them to fight and it leading to them loosing bonds with their children due to process included in divorce and the process of custody. This has also opened my mind as to how ready one must be to get into any commitment with anyone and be able to deal with the consequences it brings and being able to solve them without hurting the people involved such as children:”

    

Section created for children to play. Credit Mncedisi: Maseko

Speakers also emphasized the importance of finances when it comes to fathers being able or unable to support their children. Financial instability can lead to fathers losing their bond with their families, especially with their children.

The event was a testament to the power of community and the importance of nurturing the father-son relationship. It provided a platform for open dialogue, healing, and the reinforcement of positive values. The gathering not only strengthened individual families but also underscored the significance of collective efforts in addressing social issues.

Molefe Musi shares what is the vision and mission of the gathering👉https://on.soundcloud.com/1Rfyh1ioEQqmHQ7d7

Desmond Chauke shares why they have decided to take part in this gathering 👉 https://on.soundcloud.com/bjNHG8trwJfZmfhx7