16 Jun 2025

In a rather heartfelt and unconventional celebration of Father’s Day, Love & Faith Fellowship Church of All Nations in Molepolole, under the stewardship of Prophet Dr Mphoyaone Simon Hambira, hosted a compelling panel discussion that brought the community face-to-face with the evolving realities of fatherhood in modern society.

The event, held at the church premises on Sunday, moved beyond festive tributes and instead offered a platform for open dialogue on the joys, struggles, and responsibilities of being a father today particularly in the face of mounting societal pressures and moral decline.

The panel brought together a blend of perspectives including political leaders, traditional authorities, devoted fathers, and even young people all united in their dedication to reimagining fatherhood as a cornerstone of a healthy society.

Speaking at the event, Pastor and Evangelist Ms Khumiso Mompoloki, who served as moderator and organiser of the panel discussion said this year’s theme was intentional.

“We wanted to honour Father’s Day differently this year by recognising the role of a father not just in the home, but in rebuilding society. With rising crime, gender-based violence, and other social ills, men are often painted as perpetrators. We felt it was time to examine these realities from all angles and begin a new conversation,” she explained.

Pastor Mompoloki emphasised that healing and accountability must go hand-in-hand, and that faith institutions had a responsibility to help men rise to the occasion.

Prophet Hambira echoed these sentiments, stating that many of the challenges stemmed from the absence of father figures.

“Absent fathers are often irresponsible. They don’t want to take accountability,” he said stating that at his church, they stand in the gap.

“We guide young people, especially boys, to become responsible men of faith. We have our own kgotla where we mentor both married and unmarried men on how to navigate life’s challenges,” Prophet Hambira said.

He stressed the importance of instilling spiritual and moral values early, particularly with regard to sexual responsibility and emotional maturity.

Also on the panel was Mr Lawrence Mokopotsa, headman of arbitration at Ga- Ratlhomelang Ward in Mahokotswane, who reflected on the erosion of traditional family systems.

He said that in the past, when a man wanted to marry, his family would approach a well-respected household to ensure strong moral foundations.

“Today, those systems have weakened. We are now looking to the church to guide our sons,” he said.

His thoughts were shared by Kweneng District Council deputy chairperson, Mr Kenna Odirile, who lamented the loss of values once upheld by both Setswana tradition and Christian teachings.

“In the past men and women knew their roles, men as protectors and providers, women as nurturers and supporters. Now, the notion of equal rights has been misunderstood. Everyone wants to lead, even children are dictating to parents. We have three bulls in one kraal, that brings chaos,” he lamented.

While acknowledging societal shifts, Kweneng District Council Chairperson Mr Ontefetse Rankhibidu offered a more nuanced view on gender equality.

“Equal rights do not eliminate traditional roles, they simply ensure that one person’s rights are not trampled by another. The issue is lack of education and communication from government,” he stated.

Going forward, he said public consultations would be crucial before introducing laws that affected family structures.

Despite the challenges highlighted, panelists offered messages of hope and encouragement. Fathers were urged to continue playing active, loving roles in their children’s lives. Stepfathers were honoured for stepping up and absent fathers were reminded that it was never too late to reconcile and be present.

One of the most moving voices came from Mr Tshepang Motlogelwa, a young man raised by a single mother after his father abandoned the family.

“I learned to forgive my father so I could find peace and move forward in life. I am proud of the man I have become, thanks to my mother who stood in the gap and raised me to be a responsible young man,” he said encouraging children with absent fathers to learn to forgive and change their situations by learning from experience. ENDS