Father's day!! Father's day!! Father's day!!

Alex Manise

It is that time of the year where every child is saying thanks to their fathers for being part of their lives. We as the children of this whole world would like to thank every single man out there who has played a role in one's life. This also includes uncles, brothers and even teachers! There is a huge difference between a 'Father' and a 'Dad'. A father is someone who has played a part in a child's birth only and a Dad is someone who might not have played a part in the birth of a child but is always available and supportive towards his child more than the father.

Many children out there neither have fathers nor dads, but they have single mothers - Mothers who play the role of both a mother and a father in her child's life. These women deserve to be treated like Queens and Kings at the same time and they deserve to be celebrated on this day as well! Instead of wasting time on crying over spilt milk when their husbands have run away or passed away, they stand up firm for themselves and their children. These are our pillars of strength.

We give thanks to single fathers as well, fathers that make sure that their children go to bed with something in their stomachs. Fathers that make sure that they grow young men to be leaders and role models of this country. The society has been ruined, the youth has changed, and days have been numbered for those who are ill-disciplined. We thank those fathers that discipline their children. That teach their children what it means to respect an elder. God says to us that "Respect your mother and father for your days to be longer on this earth", every child deserves a parent that they will respect and honour everyday.

Being a parent is a gift, but being part of any child's life on this earth is a blessing.
Fathers! Stand up when the time is still on your side, and take charge of your responsibility. Your child/ren need you. Fulfil your role and obligation when you still can.

[Alex Manise - Deputy Junior Mayor of Matjhabeng]