Girls on their dads

Source : Kutlwano

Author : Lucretia Chima

Location : Gaborone

Event : Interview

 

The world is estranged by language, religion, and cultural backgrounds but the fact that is imperative in every family setup is common to all. 

Society views a father, or papa, daddy, vader, Pai or baba, as they are called in various languages, as every important figures in the family whose role is to instill discipline and guide children.

 When a child misbehaves people often refer to the child as a bastard (Afrikaans language for an illegitimate child). This literally blames the absence of the father in the raising of the child. 

It is believed that children with fathers learn something from them and are better lovers than those without fathers even though there are some female-headed successful homes. 

The importance of fathers has seen the birth of Father’s Day, a day men who are fathers are celebrated for their valuable role and contribution in the family.

Men naturally are people who do not have many events to celebrate in a year as compared to their female counterparts who have kitchen top ups, baby showers, metshelo (fund-raising clubs), among others.

It is on Father’s Day that men get a little luckier to be showered with gifts by their loved ones. Various countries celebrate the day on different dates. For instance, in France, US, and UK, the day is on every third Sunday of June. In Australia, the day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September, while in Denmark it is on the second Sunday of November.

In Botswana, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June.

Businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and florists, have over the years commercialised the day as they usually have specials or sales dedicated for the day. 

Wives and children usually come up with brilliant ideas to surprise daddies, and often some of the gifts include expensive wrist watches, wallets, and perfume, to mention the few gifts ideal for men. 

What then does Father’s Day mean to girl children, Kutlwano went out to hear from them? 

Kagiso De Klerk, Standard Chartered customer service ambassador and popular musician, Vee Wa Mampela’s fiancé: Father’s Day is a special day to honour fathers such as my dad Jorus de Klerk, who taught me the importance of being humble.

Kagiso who is the second born child says she is her father’s favourite. “Humility has got me very far and I will always credit my father for who I am today.” She adds that, apart from her father, she is grateful to other men who have made a difference in her life such as her fiancé, Vee, Kirby, Moses, and Justice. 

Limkokwing’s corporate and public relations officer, Mercy Thebe: Father’s Day rekindles some memories with her late father. “My father taught me that I am the captain of my ship and I should always live a purpose-driven life to aspire to inspire others in everything I do.”

 The outspoken young lady says she lives by her father’s words and applies them in her daily chores. She acknowledges fathers who are present mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially in their children’s lives. “Fathers who raise their children are the foundation of every nation and deserve to be applauded,” she points out. Overall, she says the day makes her miss the great man who brought and raised her, her father! 

Zenzele Hirschfield, director of Zen Promotions: She has always longed for the day as it is as important as Christmas and birthday to her. The seasoned promoter says she grew up as daddy’s girl, adding that they always celebrated the day together until his last days. 

“Although he is late now the day makes me remember the path we walked through, appreciating our journey as a father and daughter,” she reminisces.

Zenzele says her father was not only her friend but also her mentor; he imparted some skills on her, the motto being ‘reach for the stars since the sky is the limit.’

Mumsy Setho:  Though she was brought up by a single mother, her father has always been a part of her life. “Although my father is married to another woman, we have a beautiful relationship and he has been supportive, something that has taught me that love defies all.” 

The two have a beautiful relationship which qualifies her responsible father to be honoured on Father’s Day. To her, it takes love to raise a child which her father has done unlike some fathers who feel that paying maintenance is enough. 

For 34-year-old accountant, Tumi, (not real name): The day evokes bad memories for her. She has never celebrated this day as she was raised by a single mother.  She says to date, her mother has refused to reveal her and her siblings father.  “When I look at some of my features my mind starts wondering if I bear any resemblance with him or not. It is unfortunate that I don’t know him to compare our features.” She says she does not know the importance of the day and wonders why her father never came back to look for them. 

“Maybe I will understand the day’s importance after getting married, for now it is just a day like any other.” 

Teaser:

 

Fathers who raise their children are the foundation of every nation and deserve to be applauded.