Vincent Mahlape speaking on how acting in Playing Dad taught him parenting techniques.
Heartlines is releasing a new film called Playing Dad as part of its Fathers Matter project, which is backed by FirstRand Empowerment Foundation. The film launches online on 13 June on the Fathers Matter website and the HeartlinesZA YouTube channel.
Playing Dad explores how fathers can connect with their children through play and how this connection can shape early childhood development. The film also addresses the broader issue of fatherhood in South Africa and asks a valid question: “How can cultural norms be adapted to better support both men and their children?”
The film follows the story of Mpendulo, a father who is left alone to care for his young son when his wife is called away unexpectedly. At first Mpendulo struggles. He is uncomfortable with the idea of playing and unsure of how to approach disciplining and caring for his child.
This experience mirrors the reality for many men in South Africa. Around 60 percent of children in the country do not live with their biological fathers, with financial stress and stereotyped gender roles as leading factors. Many men feel that if they cannot provide money they cannot be present. These expectations are common among both men and women and has been shaped by generations of social pressure.
Dr Garth Japhet, CEO of Heartlines, says the issue of absent fathers has had more impact than any other subject the organisation has worked on. “This goes beyond individual households,” says Dr Japhet. “We are talking about changing the culture around what it means to be a man and a father.”
The film is one of seven created through the Fathers Matter project. Alongside the films, Heartlines also works directly with communities. Through these community engagements the organisation has found that many men want to be more involved in their children's lives. They just do not always know how.
“If a man is present in a child’s early years, he is more likely to stay involved in the long-term,” says Lereko Mfono, the film’s project coordinator.
Vincent Mahlape, the actor who plays Mpendulo, says the role changed his own thinking about parenting. “It is my pride to be part of real change,” says Mahlape. “Even as a father myself, this role has helped me grow. I’ve learned that getting on a child’s level helps them understand better.”
The film also takes a close look at how men are shaped by society. The CEO of WesBank, Ghana Msibi a proud partner in the broader fatherhood campaign, reflects on how boys are raised. “There is no space for vulnerability,” says Msibi. “We teach young men to be strong, but not how to care.”
This idea led to the founding of The Brotherhood, a support network that was created during a time when many men were taking their own lives. The founder wanted to understand why. He discovered that many men do not talk about their feelings. They do not ask for help. They carry pain in silence.
The film also addresses how fathers are often excluded from early childhood development spaces. Fikile Poka, an ECD specialist and Fathers Matter regional representative says that play is critical because it is the most effective form of learning. She also says both parents need to be involved in a child’s development.
“There is still a myth that men cannot raise children,” says Poka.
Programmes such as Fathers Matter work to debunk this myth about men by helping men become positive figures in their children’s lives. The hope is that early connection especially through play will build stronger families and safer communities.
In addition to the films and workshops, the project includes the Fathers Matter Coach – a free WhatsApp platform where men can get parenting support. Anyone can join by sending “Hi” to 060 058 2107.
Poka remarks: “We are finally reaching a place where children are not just seen, but heard. And they need to see their fathers too.”
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