Kwa-Thema – Black Dads Unplugged hosted a networking meet-and-greet at the Ekurhuleni East TVET College on Saturday.
“This is something new but long overdue. We are a collective of fathers who understand the highs, lows, absurdly early wake-up calls and never-ending quest to find matching socks for tiny feet.
“We also know the weight of responsibility, the love that drives us and the unspoken struggles many black fathers face,” explained Azola Mzekandaba, the CEO of Black Dads Unplugged.
Mzekandaba said fatherhood is a journey filled with joy, uncertainty and endless learning.
“But here’s the reality in SA today: Less than a third (31.5%) of children live with both parents. Nearly one in five children (19%) live with neither biological parent.
“And while 45.4% of children live with their mothers, only a fraction have their fathers present in their lives.
“These numbers aren’t just statistics; they are stories – stories of absence, resilience and families doing their best with what they have, and they highlight the urgency of what we’re building here,” he added.
He said Black Dads Unplugged is not just a meeting but a movement.
“We are here to create a space where fathers can talk, listen, learn, and most importantly, show up – for themselves, their children and each other.
“Over the next 12 months, we will run a four-part workshop series, an awareness campaign, and a podcast to shift the narrative around black fatherhood because we are not absent. We are here. And we are ready to redefine what it means to be a father in today’s world,” he said.
The initiative is built by fathers, for fathers.
“Whether you’re a dad, a stepdad, a mentor, or someone trying to figure it all out, we welcome you. Let’s have the tough conversations, share the laughs and create solutions that make a difference. Because as long as there are fathers, children, and families, we will be here,” he concluded.
For more information, visit www.blackdads.africa
ALSO CHECK: Multi-talented theatre performer wins acting award
ALSO CHECK: Embrace the twists and turns of your learning journey: Becoming a data analyst
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here.
