Namibia’s amazing dads

Although they are often overlooked, amid the negativity that often fills news pages, there are amazing dads in Namibia who love their kids and do everything to ensure that they are happy, well-adjusted and successful. According to father of two, John Ekongo, being a good father first and foremost is about responsibility, showing leadership and discipline, as well as being a good example and role model to your children. Good fathers make an ongoing effort to spend time with their children and offer positive attention “It is about being there, instilling good values and raising and moulding your children in a manner that they grow up to be good, responsible and respectful members of society. What I know is that no matter what, our presence matters tremendously regarding the hope for future generations,” Ekongo said. Single father of identical twins Amos Kambonde says his girls are everything to him and he feels blessed to have two special daughters. “I love my girls, they’re so playful. I usually dress them the same and I think they prefer it that way. “I give them the same gifts, the same everything. “Usually when you give one something different they judge or feel bad. “One day they’ll decide for themselves what they want to wear, but at the moment I love looking at my little doubles and being reminded of the abundant blessings and I look forward to seeing them grow into wonderful women,” he said We also asked a lady to tell us what her father means to her, and Catherine Shipushu said although she and her siblings have been immensely blessed to have two amazing and loving parents, she will never be able to do justice to the many years of dedicated love, support, guidance, and the multitude of selfless things her father has done for them. “I have so many fond memories from my childhood and I can in all earnest state that my father has influenced my life is so many ways. “Although he may be getting older, my father is still the same jovial person I remember from when I was a kid. He loved socialising with his family and so he would gather us all around for a braai and tell us all about living the best life, while now and then teasing my mom about her dancing skills,” Shipushu reminisced. She said she spent a lot of time with her father when she was younger, and I remember him always being excited about her future, he had sketched out in his mind. “My father always wanted the best for his children, starting with a good education, and both my parents made sure that I received that good education. “As an adult, I now realise the value of growing up knowing that my father has boundless love for us as his family, and that we’re precious to him. “He taught me the value of respect, humility and being of service to my family and others. “My father taught me how to dream big and to be enthusiastic about learning new things. “He always told me that I deserve only the best, and that I should work hard so that I can have the best,” Shipushu said. Former Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Rosalia Nghidinwa, paid special tribute to single fathers, saying they are often overlooked and unrecognised for the hard work and important role they play in their children’s lives. “We are always putting emphasis on single mothers without giving well-deserved recognition to single fathers, including those widowed or divorced, and playing the role of both father and mother... They cook, clean, wash clothes, pay school fees, teach, discipline and give love, and we must remember to also honour them,” she said. Father’s Day is a celebration honouring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds and the influence of fathers in society. Many countries celebrate it on the third Sunday of June, although it is also celebrated widely on other days by many other countries. WINDHOEK NAMENE HELMICH