In South Africa, fatherhood is a complex and evolving journey. Many men face significant barriers to being actively involved in their children’s lives, whether due to societal expectations, economic challenges, or strained relationships. Fathers Connect, established by Themba Baleni, was born out of a deeply personal journey—one of loss, resilience, and a determination to rewrite the fatherhood narrative for future generations.

Through its partnership with Mikhulu Trust, Fathers Connect has incorporated book-sharing as a powerful tool to strengthen father-child relationships, fostering connection, communication, and emotional engagement.

Fathers Connect is not just an organisation; it is deeply personal to Themba. Growing up amid rural villages in the Eastern Cape, he did not immediately feel the absence of his father, as he was surrounded by a strong extended family. However, as he grew older, questions about his father’s identity became an emotional burden, compounded by the realities of poverty, survival, and hardship.

Themba’s journey began with earning just a few cents by hauling water drums to help neighbours with construction work, which went towards buying food for his family to eat. After dropping out of school in Grade 6, he laboured as a brickmaker and worked on farms in the Free State before finding his way back to education and completing his Matric. Driven by determination, he later pursued acting, directing, and filmmaking, transforming his life experiences into powerful storytelling.

The struggles Themba faced as a father himself—fighting for access to his children in court, challenging a system that often views men as absent or incapable caregivers—led him to realise he was not alone. Many men were navigating similar challenges, wanting to be present fathers but unsure how. This realisation gave birth to Fathers Connect, a space where fathers could come together to support each other, advocate for their rights, and learn how to engage meaningfully with their children.

Fathers Connect initially focused on helping men gain access to their children, mediate conflicts, and reclaim their roles as active caregivers. However, the partnership with Mikhulu Trust introduced a new layer of engagement—book-sharing.

Book-sharing is more than just reading to children; it is an interactive storytelling experience that does not require literacy. Fathers use wordless picture books to encourage language development, emotional connection, and cognitive growth.

The introduction of book-sharing at Fathers Connect began with men only, revolutionising how fathers connected with their children. After training sessions, fathers began to see their children differently, recognising how simple activities like sharing a book could bridge emotional gaps.

One father expressed how his daughter now demands book-sharing sessions every time she visits him, strengthening their bond. Others shared how book-sharing opened up new conversations, allowing them to step into a nurturing role they had never experienced before.

One of the most powerful insights from the programme was extending the father-involvement from mainly focusing on financial provision to also focusing on father-child relationships. Many fathers face financial challenges, and some mothers deny access to their children due to a lack of financial support. Fathers Connect aims to challenge this narrative, showing that while financial support is important, time, engagement, and emotional availability are equally valuable.

Due to the success of the programme, Fathers Connect has expanded to include training women in book-sharing, alongside the men, creating a more holistic support system. The organisation now recruits young people from Khayelitsha and surrounding areas, training them to facilitate book-sharing in homes, preschools, and community spaces.

The partnership between Mikhulu Trust and Fathers Connect has provided structure, resources, and a shared vision. Both organisations believe that early childhood development is critical in shaping a child’s future.

Themba Baleni of Fathers Connect reflects:

“If a child does not get enough support in the early years, their whole life can be affected. Mikhulu Trust and Fathers Connect share the same mission—to ensure children grow up with the love, guidance, and presence of their parents. Without the Mikhulu Trust, I don’t think we would be where we are today. Their support has shaped Fathers Connect into what it is now.”

Fathers Connect is not just about reuniting fathers with their children—it is about reshaping what fatherhood looks like in South Africa. Through book-sharing, mentorship, and advocacy, the organisation is proving that fathers have a crucial role to play in early childhood development.

Themba’s vision for the future of Father’s Connect includes tracking children who have engaged in book-sharing, documenting their growth and learning journey over five years, and showing how early engagement leads to long-term success.

“We can change the world. Book-sharing is working. The impact is real, and if we continue, we will raise a generation of children who feel loved, heard, and supported.”

“We can see the change happening,” says the founder of Fathers Connect. “Book-sharing is simple, but the impact is huge. It gives fathers a way to be present, even when they have nothing else to give. We are changing the way men see themselves as parents, and that’s how we change the future for our children.”