Empowering Nkomazi’s Men to Uphold Children’s Rights this Human Rights Month

South Africa’s Human Rights Month is a time for reflection – not just on our own rights but on the rights of those who depend on us the most: our young children.

Young children are among the most vulnerable members of our society, which is why Section 28 of the Bill of Rights prioritizes their protection. It states that a child’s best interests are of paramount importance and must be achieved through shared responsibility.

Fathers – both biological and social – play a crucial role in ensuring these rights come to life. Men can have a profound impact on a child's physical, emotional, and social well-being, particularly in the first five years when 90% of brain growth occurs. In the Fathers Matters: Children’s Report (2024), Heartlines found that ”children value a father’s time and attention more than financial support”.

This role is often played by social fathers or father figures such as sports coaches, pastors, youth leaders, cousins and brothers. A present and actively involved father fosters secure attachments, social and emotional development, school readiness, and even future economic success.

Unfortunately, many South African children grow up without a father figure in their lives. According to the State of South Africa’s Fathers Report (2024), in 2023, only 35.6% of children lived with their biological fathers, while 40.3% lived with men who were not their biological fathers. The absence of a father or positive male role model has been linked to greater risks of violence, mental illness, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, and poor educational and economic outcomes.

To address this, the BaBonise (‘Show Them’) fatherhood advocacy campaign, led by the DO MORE FOUNDATION, engages with the mainly male fanbase at the Selati Cup soccer games about the positive influence they can have in the lives of Nkomazi’s young children. Men are given access to practical resources, like WhatsApp chat groups and in-person workshops, that will help them on their journey to be present playmates and protectors.

DO MORE, founded by RCL FOODS, is deeply connected to the people of Nkomazi, many of whom work at RCL FOODS sugar mills in Malelane and Komati. DO MORE has been working with local organisations in Nkomazi since 2015 to bring a comprehensive package of quality services to meet young children’s rights and needs as outlined in the National Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy.

Megan Lewis from the DO MORE FOUNDATION: “We want to inspire men to proudly take up their role as caregivers, playmates, and role models. When men are positively present in children’s lives, communities thrive. It’s through the power of partnerships that BaBonise can create spaces for fathers and male role models to step into this role with confidence and support”.

This year, BaBonise is once again bringing together key partners for collective impact in Nkomazi: non-profit organisations working in the areas of fatherhood and young children (Heartlines and Sikunye), businesses (Selati and RCL FOODS), media, and government partners at the Selati Soccer Cup, a major highlight on Mpumalanga’s sports calendar.

New for the BaBonise campaign this year is a ‘play date’ organised with Penreach at the Selati 2-in-1 Marathon. This event gives caregivers of young children a chance to play together and learn why play is the best way for young children to learn, grow and develop.

Other initiatives led by Sikunye and Heartlines (Fathers Matter), have shown that when men are encouraged to join in caregiving, children and families benefit.

Ruth Lundie from Sikunye: “Dads can be powerful brain builders! By starting early and positively, actively caring for their young children, dads are investing in their child’s future. Sikunye’s Fatherhood in the First Thousand Days programme equips men to know how they can give their children a strong start to life.”

Zamabongo Mojalefa from Heartlines (Fathers Matter): “Children replicate behaviours that they see modelled by those closest to them (parents, caregivers, leaders), and the positive active presence of a man or father in their lives lessens their risk of engaging and being pulled into destructive behaviours. With the support of the Fathers Matter WhatsApp Coach men and fathers can access tips, skills and motivation on how they can show up more positively for children in their lives.”

This Human Rights Day, let us recognize that children's rights are human rights. By supporting and equipping fathers to be protectors, playmates, and active participants in their children’s lives, we are fostering a brighter and safer future for all.

For more information about the BaBonise fatherhood campaign, contact Megan Lewis on megan.lewis@domore.org.za