The Fathers Our Nation Needs, 21 June 2026

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Fathers and those stepping up as male heads of family, this opinion editorial is for you. It has been presented by Pastor Bert Pretorius especially for Father’s Day.

As South Africans celebrate Father’s Day, we honour the men who have shaped our lives through their sacrifice, guidance, and love. We celebrate fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors, and father figures who have invested themselves into the next generation. Yet Father’s Day is more than a celebration—it is also a moment of reflection.

South Africa finds itself at a critical crossroads. We face enormous challenges: crime, corruption,
gender-based violence, unemployment, substance abuse, family breakdown, and growing hopelessness among many young people. While these issues have many causes, one reality cannot be ignored: strong families build strong societies, and strong fathers play a vital role in strong families.

Fathers who stay involved

Research consistently shows that children who grow up with positive father involvement are more
likely to succeed academically, avoid criminal behaviour, develop healthy relationships, and
contribute positively to society. Conversely, fatherlessness has become one of the most significant
social challenges facing our nation.

Millions of South African children are growing up without the daily presence of a father. Some fathers are absent due to separation, work demands, death, or other circumstances. Others are physically present but emotionally disconnected. The consequences are often seen in struggling communities, broken relationships, and young people searching for identity, belonging, and purpose.

Fathers are far more than biological parents

But Father’s Day is not about condemnation. It is about calling men to their highest purpose.
A father is far more than a biological parent. A father is a builder. He builds character, confidence,
stability, and hope. He provides not only financially but emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. He
models integrity, responsibility, and resilience. He teaches by example what it means to love, serve,
and lead.

In a society often obsessed with power and status, fatherhood reminds us that true leadership is
service. The greatest fathers are not necessarily the wealthiest or most successful. They are the men
who consistently show up. They keep their word. They protect. They nurture. They invest time. They
listen. They guide. They leave a legacy far greater than possessions.

Having positive male role models

South Africa does not merely need more leaders in government, business, or civil society. We need
more fathers who lead in their homes.
This is particularly important for young men. Many are growing up without positive male role models and are being shaped by social media influencers, gang culture, or destructive ideologies. We need a generation of men who understand that strength is not aggression, masculinity is not domination, and leadership is not control. True manhood is demonstrated through responsibility, courage, humility, and self-sacrifice.

Men who mentor other children

The Church also has an important role to play. Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself as a loving
Father who cares for His children. The Christian faith teaches that fatherhood is not merely a social
responsibility but a sacred calling. Churches must continue to support men, strengthen marriages,
mentor young fathers, and create environments where families can flourish.

Yet fatherhood extends beyond biology. Many of South Africa’s greatest fathers are men who mentor children not their own, coach sports teams, disciple young people, teach in schools, lead community organizations, and provide guidance where biological fathers are absent. Their contribution is immeasurable.

Embrace the responsibility of shaping lives

This Father’s Day, we celebrate every man who has embraced the responsibility of shaping lives. We
honour those who have persevered through hardship, carried heavy burdens, and continued to lead
with faith and conviction. We must also recognize that many men carry burdens in silence. As a
nation, we need families, churches, and communities that encourage men to seek help, find hope, and keep going. Strength is not found in suffering alone, but in having the courage to reach out.
But we must also issue a challenge.

To every father: your presence matters more than you realize.

Your words carry more weight than you know.

Your example will outlive you.

To every young man: prepare now to become the husband, father, and leader that future generations will need.

To every community: encourage and support fathers rather than ridicule or dismiss them.

And to our nation: let us recognize that the future of South Africa will not only be determined in
Parliament, boardrooms, or courts. It will also be determined around dinner tables, in living rooms, on sports fields, and in everyday moments where fathers choose to invest in the next generation.

We don’t need perfect men

The fathers our nation needs are not perfect men.

They are present men.

Men who love deeply, lead wisely, serve faithfully, and leave a legacy that will endure long after they
are gone.

Happy Father’s Day to the fathers of South Africa.

Our nation needs you, and your contribution matters more than ever.

Pastor Bert Pretorius is the President – South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals & Federations (SACOFF)
Founder and Senior Pastor – 3C Church

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