my dad is turning a year older today. if you know anything about me, you’ll know that this man is my everything. never have I experienced such a love and I am nothing but blessed.
so here’s a Sisanda’s father appreciation thread, from daddy’s little girl

In a country full of absent fathers, there’s nothing I’m more grateful for than his presence. my dad never misses an opportunity to show up. he doesn’t have the world but, it’s all in the little things.

The decision to move to Jhb 4 years ago was a highly contested one at home, but he succumbed and said it would be good for my personal growth. Had a slight fear that we’d drift apart. But in fact he makes sure he is the first person I see every time I land at home.

And same goes for when he comes to Jhb for meetings and conferences. He always makes space in his diary to see me, to catch up and bond. Grew up imitating this man, so my love language is also derived from him. Presence and overt affection.

“My daughter, my girl, my baby”

For introducing me to the comrade space, and raising me to always push to be a part of something bigger than myself. To fight for the disadvantaged and be a voice for the voiceless. In all spheres of life. God was surely listening when you named me Aluta Continua.

Mental health is a crisis amongst the youth and due to stigma and other factors, isnt really understood by the older generation. He goes out of his way to cater for my psychological wellbeing, despite my hard headedness and insistence that I am okay.

Growing up, no one feared public transport like my dad. He insisted on taking me everywhere I needed to go. School, basketball games, choir eisteddfords, church, friends parties. Even now with the introduction of Uber, he still insists on being my chauffeur. And bodyguard

That time of the month is when I’m most fragile. And in a household full of women, I’m meant to be strong and suck it up and go through it. But my dad always makes room for my tantrums and babies me. Even for small things like attending to my wing cravings, this man is there!

Someone once said “you look for your father in the men that you want to settle with ”. Back then I took offense, the comment was made to make me feel bad for the standards I have. I now realize how empowering it is. He treats us like such gems and I want no less for my daughters.

Most importantly, for teaching me how to love. For showing me what love looks like. I treasure having gotten the opportunity to grow up in a home with both parents in a happy marriage. Maybe that’s why I’m such a hopeless romantic. Through you, I’ve seen that it is possible

Lastly, It’s so important to have someone in your corner, who has your back like my dad does. He supports my every move and is proud of every little achievement.
I love you so much Tata. All that I am, is because of you. uThixo akugcine uzoyibona imisebenzi yezandla zakho

Yho ha a. Creating this thread and going through my archives just made me miss him so much. I’m crying so much I need an hour long video call atleast, just to be okay