THE South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF) in Nelson Mandela Bay has embarked on an initiative to foster healthy relationships between fathers and their sons, while promoting social cohesion.
To this end the faith-based charity organisation has planned a camp for fathers and their sons over the long weekend in March.
According to SANZAF’s chairperson, Aziez Madatt, the father and son camp is a deliberate effort to bolster relationships between fathers and their sons.
“We often find that fathers strive to improve the relationship with their children, but do not know where to go to for guidance in this regard.
“This camp aims at providing guidance and insight into healthy relationships especially with boy children.
“In addition, the event promotes social cohesion across various communities, something which is sorely lacking within our country,” explained Madatt.
Sheikh Ishaq Lekganya, a clinical psychologist based in Gqeberha, said that a father and son camp is a practical way of strengthening father and son bonds.
“Activities such as pitching a tent, making a fire and cooking, inculcate a sense of teamwork, responsibility and collaboration, which build self-confidence and dependence on each other.
“Other fun activities like swimming and catching fish further encourage skills transfer and a sense of recreation which alleviate stress,” said Lekganya.
In South Africa, the role and responsibilities of a father are clearly defined, yet the diversity of circumstances makes fatherhood rather complex.
The recent State of South Africa’s Fathers 2021 Report by Sonke Gender Justice, the Human Sciences Research Council and the University of Stellenbosch, indicates that it is critical to address the complexities that determine whether fathers are connected or disconnected in order to promote father involvement in every child’s life in South Africa.
“We need to appreciate that fatherhood in South Africa is a social construction which is always negotiated according to the dynamic social, structural, economic and cultural systems in place at any given point,” said the Report.
From an Islamic point of view, Madatt said a father has the responsibility of taking care of his children.
“The father and son camp is a small step that we are taking to make a difference in the lives of our family.”
SANZAF is an Islamic organisation which ensures the equitable distribution of obligatory charity under the third pillar of Islam. Community outreach programmes are part of SANZAF’s mandate. For more information about the camp, contact 041 457 1459.
– ISSUED BY SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ZAKAH FUND NELSON MANDELA BAY
