Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Lifestyle Senior Writer
Tomorrow is Father’s Day, a special occasion dedicated to celebrating dads and those who play fatherly roles in society.
It is a day when responsible fathers are honoured for their invaluable contributions to building and sustaining families.
Sadly, the occasion is often not celebrated with the same enthusiasm and recognition as Mother’s Day.
Whatever wrong fathers may have committed to be less appreciated is a debate for another day.
The reality is that responsible fathers toil tirelessly to provide for their families, yet they often do not receive the acknowledgement they deserve.
Fathers endure immense pressure and shoulder enormous responsibilities, but many rarely show the burdens they carry. In most African communities, responsible fathers spend their lives working hard to ensure the well-being of their families, often sacrificing their own comfort and aspirations in the process.
While mothers are rightly celebrated for their nurturing and maternal care, fathers are seldom recognised for the equally important roles they play within the family structure.
Historically, societies have associated care-giving and emotional labour more closely with mothers, while fathers have largely been viewed as providers and protectors.
This perception has made celebrating mothers feel more aligned with long-standing social norms.
Fatherhood, by contrast, has traditionally been defined by provision and responsibility rather than care-giving, which may explain why Father’s Day has not evolved into a celebration of the same magnitude for many people.
Several fathers who spoke to The Herald Saturday Lifestyle concurred that society has never fully appreciated fathers despite the critical role they play as pillars of their families.
Televangelist Trymore Muparinga said Father’s Day is a special occasion on which responsible men should be saluted for their roles in protecting and providing for their families.
“Father’s Day is an occasion when men should be celebrated for their leadership and visionary roles in most homes,” said the charismatic evangelist.
“Fathers have an important role to play in most families. They are often expected to be the primary providers for their households.
“A lot is expected of them, and we are glad that their efforts will not go unnoticed.”
He, however, conceded that Father’s Day is not celebrated with the same enthusiasm as Mother’s Day.
“Culturally, it has always been that way, with fathers receiving less appreciation.
“In many African societies, there is a belief that if you anger your mother, you are bound to be cursed. That has always been the norm, but it is something that should be corrected.
“At our programme, Dare Remachinda, we are constantly trying to change that narrative, and we hope that, with time, we will succeed.
“Fathers deserve the same love and appreciation as mothers, even though our roles may differ,” asserted Muparinga.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Bulawayo-based businessman Edmore Chivizhe, who runs Talik Car Rental and Travel.
“To be honest, Father’s Day is an occasion when we take time to reflect on our achievements and responsibilities as providers,” Chivizhe said.
“Fatherhood comes with many responsibilities that should be recognised at family level.
“I enjoy fatherhood because it has taught me to be a responsible man.
“The way I carry myself, both at home and in public, has been shaped by the responsibilities I carry.”
Bindura-based statistician Darlington Manjengwa said it had always been his dream to become a father.
“Growing up, I always wanted to be a father because of the example set by my own father,” he said.
“However, fatherhood is not a child’s game at all because it comes with its fair share of responsibilities.
“A real father should know how to run his home and instil order and discipline within the family.
“Being a father means being a provider, leader and visionary.”
Manjengwa also revealed that real fathers often sacrifice everything for their families.
Elton Kurima, a father of two boys Takomborerwa and Chikomborero from Chitungwiza said, “Father’s Day is not about expensive gifts. It is about knowing that your children appreciate the love, guidance and sacrifices you make every day. Seeing my family together and happy is the greatest reward.”
Research has shown that Mother’s Day is strongly associated with visible expressions of care and appreciation, while Father’s Day recognition tends to be more varied.
Father figures, including single fathers, stepfathers, adoptive fathers and other men who play significant paternal roles, deserve to be honoured and appreciated.
As the world marks Father’s Day tomorrow, there is need to reflect on and appreciate the sacrifices fathers make every day.
Beyond providing for their families, many fathers serve as mentors, protectors, teachers and role models.
While their contributions may not always be visible or widely celebrated, they remain indispensable to the stability and success of families and communities.
Father’s Day, therefore, offers an important opportunity to acknowledge, honour and thank the men who continue to shape lives through their dedication, sacrifice and unconditional love.
