As the nation celebrates Father’s Day in appreciation of the all the wonderful dads, Drum caught up with our local celebrity dads from actors Oros Mpofu and Abdul Khoza to musical artist Junior De Rocka.
The first time you hear your little ones heart beat on that ultrasound scan or see their developing bodies is without a doubt a tear-jerking moment but it’s when you welcome them into this world that the true work really starts. And what better way to learn about the world’s highs and lows than with a supportive dad for guidance by your side.
Oros Mampofu
Actor Oros Mpofu announced earlier this year that he was going to be a father, by sharing a series of pregnancy shoot snaps geared in traditional attire alongside his expecting girlfriend Bianca Carmacheal.
Speaking to Drum, Oros revealed that he was on his way to work when he received a phone call that would soon change his life forever. “The entire moment felt like my life had come to a standstill, which was when I realized the significance of life on another level,” he said.
“Finding out I was going to be a father is truly a moment I will never forget, there was a complete shift in my spirit.”
Recalling the exact moment he first heard his little girl’s heartbeat, he becomes overwhelmed with joy. “That distinct moment when I heard our baby’s heartbeat, that’s when it all truly became a reality and no longer an idea,” the 28-year-old explained.
Oros and Bianca welcomed their daughter Aarya Mampofu a couple of months ago, and the first time day couldn’t be prouder. “I was present throughout the delivery and everything was nothing short of magical.”
Being a first time dad can be both an exciting and nerve wrecking experience, but the actor believes that with patience and perseverance nothing should be taken for granted.
“I truly believe that as a parent your shortcomings should never be carried over to your child. You need to be the best version of yourself as a father.”
Junior De Rocka
Musician Junior De Rocka and actress Ntando Duma welcomed their wonderful baby girl Sbahle Mzizi in 2017 and when Junior learned that he was going to be a father, he was engulfed with a mixture of emotions.
“I was overjoyed, shocked and excited all at once that I was going to begin this new chapter. It suddenly all felt like a count down for me to really get my life together.”
While the proud father of the one-year old admitted to being fearful of being present during the delivery, he did shed a few tears in private after he held Sbahle for the first time. “After I held her in my arms I had to step outside for a moment and I cried because I couldn’t believe that I had just become a father.”
Admittedly Junior became a father at a young age but that did not stop him from being the best dad he could be for his daughter, “Knowing there’s a little who counts on you makes everything worthwhile,” he said.
“You learn to cherish everything, from the first walk to the first laugh. Nothing else in this world matters to you as a father but that.”
Abdul Khoza
Isibaya actor Abdul Khoza who has a six-year-old daughter Azamahle, is always parading his little girl to the world.
“When I found out that I was going to be a father it was a life changing moment one that I will forever be grateful for.”
As a first time dad, he recalled how he was there throughout the delivery, “I cut her umbilical cord, cleaned her and handed her over for the first time to her mother.”
While Abdul knows that being a father comes with a great responsibly, it’s truly one he is determined to live up to. “Being a father to a daughter is so important because you start to realise the delicateness in maintaining your relationship,” he said.
“Not just for support purposes but to guide her as she grows up and that’s hard, that’s one thing they don’t tell you about fatherhood. But it’s all worth it.”
