Celebrating Father's Day: insights from South African celebrities

IOL News

11-06-2025

Kurt Schoonraad and his son Jack from when he came second in a downhill cycle event.
Image: Supplied
Now that mothers had their day to be spoilt, tomorrow will be for the dads as they celebrate Father's Day. While kids normally don't make a big fuss when it comes to their dads, deep down dads do want to be spoilt as some of our celebrities said when asked about their special bond with their children.
Comedian, tv personality and musician Emo Adams, who has four sons, said what makes him the happiest about being a dad is seeing his kids grow up and being part of their lives especially after missing out on so many important days due to his touring schedule.
Emo, who always has his audiences in stitches with his jokes and comedic performances, said he vividly remembers the days when his kids were born.' I thought, why is the doctor asking me to hold my wife's leg when he knows I'm not a doctor. Then it was like wow we just made another person, a human being. Then I thought...I wonder when we will get to sleep again.'
Emo Adams, 47, is looking forward to spending time with his brood of four boys on Father's Day
Image: Facebook/ Emo Adams
Emo stated that for him and his boys, it's not always about doing activities together, but rather just being in each other's company, even if it's simply a drive to the hardware store. 'One would swear they've never been.'
Emo said he is still learning everyday about the responsibilities of being a dad.
'And I get to learn with my kids, but as long as they leave this house with respect, empathy and kindness, I'll be good.'
On what advice he would give to would-be-dads? 'Don't do it... enjoy your sleep while you can! On a serious note, when it's your time, it will be your time. There's no perfect moment, but when it happens, you'll be ready.'
On what he wants as a gift for Father's Day, there is no surprise, given his frequent trips to the hardware store. 'Tools', he said emphatically.
TT Mbha, chairman of the Amatyma Foundation NPC, said what makes him the happiest about being a dad is the realisation that it is a privilege and blessing to be able to give unconditional love and care to your offspring.
Image: Supplied
TT Mbha, chairman of the Amatyma Foundation NPC, said what makes him the happiest about being a dad is the realisation that it is a privilege and blessing to be able to give unconditional love and care to your offspring.
'When my kids were born, I couldn't believe how blessed I was to be chosen by God to be their dad.'
Mbha said he and his kids enjoy the outdoors and playing board games together.
Former footballer and actor Eric Macheru, known for his role as Leeto Maputla in Skeem Saam made a plea on Father's Day gifts "Please no gowns,socks and mugs. Yerrrr..lol.'
Image: Supplied
Former footballer and actor Eric Macheru, known for his role as Leeto Maputla in Skeem Saam said his child is a happy child 'so seeing him being a happy chappie truly makes me happy.'
'We play football together, no other activities come close, that guy loves football.'
Macheru said the day his son was born, he was just a ball of emotions.
'Everything from scared to happy. You can name every emotion, I probably felt it at that moment.'
Macheru said there are so many dynamics to being a dad, 'but we have a responsibility to raise responsible children for our communities' and his advice for would-be dads "is to be present".
'Try to get your life together as much as you can because kids need you to be in that space for them, they need your time and space. '
On what he wants as gifts for Father's Day, he is very clear: 'Please no gowns,socks and mugs. Yerrrr..lol.'
Stand-up veteran comedian Kurt Schoonraad, said what makes him most happiest about his son is seeing someone that resembles him 'is fantastic'.'It makes you seem somewhat immortal, when you have passed on yourself, really to someone else. It just feels fantastic to be a dad. I can tell someone else to clean the room, just like I was told and I had to do it, and of course I also love to see him achieve things. He is writing exams at the moment and that is a big thing for me. When he comes out the exam room and he feels confident about the Paper that he just wrote. So Ja, to be able to share your whole childhood again with someone from a completely different angle, and that is a very special thing and I enjoy being a dad that way.'
He said his son shares his love for classic cars and downhill bicycle racing and as an avid racer his son will be competing in France over the June holidays.
He said when he saw his son for the first time when he was born, he thought, 'Is it normal for a baby to look blue like that, he just looked cold and blue. ... that is my attempt at being funny of course. No it was the happiest day of my life, knowing that he is healthy and had all his bits in the right place. I think it was the first time I thought I could really get hurt now, because before that I was an idiot kid myself, but when you are responsible for somebody else, your child or your children are probably your most vulnerable space, when you are not in control of their happiness a lot of the time, but their happiness means a lot to you and you actually could hurt by them not being in the right space.'
He said good advice he got from a friend on being a responsible dad was just to be 'present'.
On how does he like like to spoilt he wasn't he too picky: 'I'm a cheap date. For me it's a braai, a chill out and a lekka chat about the universe.'
All Tebogo Lerole wants for Father's Day is to be spoilt with nice, big breakfast.
Image: Supplied
For musician Tebogo Lerole being a dad brings him immense joy, and seeing his daughter grow into a kind and compassionate individual makes him the happiest. 'Toos's smile, laughter, and approach to life is contagious and fills your heart with pride.'
'As a dad, I believe my main responsibilities are to provide for my daughter's physical, emotional, and educational needs. I strive to be a positive role model, continuously teach her valuable life lessons, and offer guidance and support as she navigates the world.'
All this anti-GBV activist want for Father's Day is to be spoilt with nice, big breakfast.
'I'm not big on being spoilt.'
Courtnell Skosan, his wife Semone and two sons Carlin (Left) and CJ (right)
Image: Supplied
Springbok rugby player Courtnell Skosan said he and his wife Semone see a bit of themselves in their two boys, Carlin and CJ. "To think that my wife and I are responsible for bringing two little ones into this world, is the biggest blessing."
He said he was all emotion when his children were born. "I couldn't hold the emotions back. I was so happy, my tears started rolling down my cheek. The first person I went to when I came out to give the family an update was my father. I hugged him and shared a nice moment with him. I was now a father too. It's like I understood what he felt. Weird. I know."
Courtnell said he is not big on gifts for Father's Day. " If I can enjoy some time with my family and sit around a table and enjoy a meal and have chats and laugh and joke. That's enough for me. "