The Challenges of Fatherhood in Contemporary South Africa, 21 February 2019
This Roundtable focused on the need for policy and legislation that would create an environment where fathers could care for, engage with and support their children. The Roundtable was addressed by Mr Wessel van den Berg and Mr Thulani Velebayi both of Sonke Gender Justice, an NGO which conducts research and develops programmes to strengthen government, civil society and citizen capacity to promote gender equality. An important component of this work is a focus on fatherhood and positive parenting. Mr Patric Solomons of Molo Songololo, a children’s rights organization with a strong emphasis on child participation, spoke about the challenges facing fathers from the perspective of children. Finally, Ms Cheryllyn Dudley, an ACDP MP, spoke about her Private Members Bill which has resulted in legislation granting fathers paid paternity leave. The broad range of organizations attending discussed the importance of establishing support and training programmes for fathers who face significant challenges in the performance of their parental roles.
L-R: Mr Patric Solomons; Adv Mike Pothier (Programme Manager, CPLO); Mr Thulani Velebayi; and Ms Cheryllyn Dudley
Mr Wessel van den Berg
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