As South Africa and the World reflects on the gains and challenges of Human Rights Day on this particular weekend, 21 March, a day in this country which is synonymous with an innocuous but historic township, Sharpeville, situated between the industrial cities of Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging in southern Gauteng province.
But for many South Africans, the day will always remain Sharpeville Day, a commemoration of the 21 March 1960 Sharpeville massacre, when the police mowed down 69 unarmed people and injured 180 others who refused to carry the hated dompas identity document that was meant only for indigenous Africans. The Fatherhood Foundation in the Northern Cape was launched in Kimberley.
The Fatherhood Foundation of South Africa is a Public Benefit Organization, dedicated to the promotion of excellence in fathering in South Africa. As children form part of the most vulnerable members of our society, in Social Development terms we say special needs, the foundation believes that every child has the fundamental right to both a mother and a father.
“There are many organisations doing great work out there; but we would want to get to the root of the problem? It is important that NGO’s operate on a biblical value system, but should NEVER discriminate against non-Christians or people from other religions. This is the very first Provincial Office of this National initiative; highlighting that Kimberley is a city of firsts” said Rev. Dez Fransman, who is the first Provincial Director of the Fatherhood Foundation of SA.
Zane Meas elaborates “ The Fatherhood Foundation’s contention is that we are merely dousing the flames of broken homes, men sociological state and abuse with water: whereas we should be putting the fire out completely by going to the source of the fire, its base; the Father and his relationship with his family.
The MEC for Social Development for the Northern Cape however threw a broadside to the Fatherhood Foundation;
“As a department we acknowledge the high levels of Domestic Violence perpetrated against women and children, high levels of alcohol induced psychosis and high volumes of Grievous Bodily Harm cases reported in the province. We strongly encourage the fostering of partnerships with the NPO, NGO, CPO and Charity sectors with a view of creating a better life for all and responding and making a break-through in all social challenges. The biggest challenge we might be faced with is that of sustainability in regards to partner organizations, as we are aware of fly-by-nights, so they should be able to meet their contractual obligations and there should be positive change in our communities”.
Some of the services rendered by the Fatherhood Foundation of SA include Fatherhood Forums, Conferences and Public Speaking Seminars. Fathering to Prisoners and Fathering from Prison. Father’s Day Campaign, Father-&-Son, Corporate. Single & Divorced Women Counseling. Technical Skills Transfer. Research & Development and Mentoring boys to manhood.
The NC Fatherhood Foundation will be operated from the House of Worship’s office in 52 Bultfontein Rd. in the CBD. Cece can be contacted at 053-832-9127. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the National Director Khotso Moabi at 011 862 3715