WATCH: SA men talk to us about their dads, and we're not crying, you are

Discipline, support, love. 

We spoke to South African men about what it means and what it takes to be a good dad. We asked them about the dads they remember, and the ones they’ll become. This is what they said... 

“My dad was an icon in my life.” – Ricardo 

“He exemplified what strength was and showed me what a true man should be in terms of treating women with respect.” – Athenkosi 

“I remember this once when we thought he had a heart attack. And for the first time he reached out and grabbed my hand and said, ‘You know what, I’m just going to be here, so don’t worry.’ My dad taught me to be a fighter.” – Chris 

“Everything that I know is because of him. Without my dad, I wouldn’t be who I am today.” – Keanu 

Being a good dad means teaching your children discipline, giving them the support and love they need, but more than anything, simply being present. 

So this father’s day, to quote the wise Theodor Seuss Geisel, today and every other day, behave as if this is the day you will be remembered. 

Happy father’s day to all the amazing dads out there.

Chat back

Do you have superdad in your family?

Tell us and we could publish your family's story.

Also read:

• Higher self-esteem for girls, lower levels of machismo for boys: Wits says fathers need to get involved in the first 1000 days of their kids’ lives
• It's in the brain, dads are wired to be as nurturing as mothers
• Fathers make society better and 12 other facts from the first State of SA’s Fathers report