Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Herald Correspondent
Yesterday Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in celebrating Father’s Day, an occasion dedicated to honouring and appreciating the invaluable contributions of dads to their families and communities.
While Father’s Day is not as widely celebrated as Mother’s Day, its significance continues to grow each year as families, churches, businesses and communities make efforts to honour fathers and father figures in their lives.
People celebrated the day in various ways.
Many took to social media, posting heartfelt messages and sharing cherished memories of their fathers, showering them with love and gratitude.
Others opted for more personal gestures, treating their fathers and husbands to special lunches or dinners.
Mr Tamuka Regero, a father from Waterfalls, shared how his wife and children made his day extra special.
“It feels good to be honoured for being a father. My children gave me handmade cards filled with messages of love and appreciation. Even more touching was how my wife surprised me with a special breakfast before we went to church,” he said.
He added, “Father’s Day reminds us of the importance of being there for our families,” said Mr Regero. “It’s a chance to reflect on our roles as fathers and to appreciate the love and respect we receive from our families.”
Churches across the country also participated in celebrating Father’s Day.
Many congregations held special services that focused on the importance of fatherhood and the role they play in building strong families and communities.
In some churches, fathers were asked to stand up, while the congregation applauded, recognising their contributions.
Although flowers are traditionally associated with Mother’s Day, florists have begun promoting Father’s Day bouquets, featuring bold and masculine arrangements.
However, business was slower than expected for some florists.
A florist in Harare’s central business district, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared her experience:
“Only a handful of clients came to buy special flower bouquets for Father’s Day. I think many women still believe men don’t appreciate flowers, but they do. We make significantly more sales on Mother’s Day.”
In rural areas, Father’s Day is celebrated more subtly, but with equal love and respect.
Families often prepare special meals featuring traditional dishes such as sadza, meat, and vegetables.
Fathers are served first as a sign of respect, and the day is spent sharing stories, laughter and music.
For many fathers, the day is both joyful and reflective.
“Fatherhood is not just about providing for the family,” said Mr Tatenda Dube, a father of three from Chitungwiza. “It’s about being present, teaching values and instilling morals in our children.”
The day also gave fathers an opportunity to bond with their children. Some went on picnics, fishing trips, or enjoyed quality time at home.
Father’s Day was first celebrated on the third Sunday of June in 1910.
It was founded by Sonora Smart Dodd in the United States as a way to honour her father, a single parent who had raised her and her siblings. Today, it is celebrated globally.
