"Present Father": SA Raves Over Baby’s Joyful Reaction to Dad's Playful Entrance in Viral Video

• A heartwarming video of a father-daughter interaction has captured the hearts of social media users, showcasing a special bond between the two
• The clip features the baby girl's joyful reaction to her dad's playful entrance, highlighting the importance of parental presence in a child's life
• The post has resonated with many online users, who have praised the father's efforts in creating a loving and entertaining moment with his daughter

A touching moment between a father and his baby daughter has captured the hearts of social media users, proving once again how powerful the bond between parent and child can be.

The video, which has been widely circulating online after the mother published it on Facebook under the handle Dzunisani Dzunnie Khoza, shows the little girl sitting comfortably on a bed when her father enters the room in a playful, dancing manner.

Rather than being startled, the baby’s face lights up with pure joy as she recognises him. With her tiny hands lifted high in the air, she cheers him on with adorable facial expressions that delighted viewers.

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The dad continued his playful moves, clearly enjoying the interaction as much as his daughter. The baby’s excitement grows with every step, her laughter and wide-eyed reactions showcasing the innocence and happiness of the moment. The wholesome exchange quickly gained traction online after it was released on 15 September 2025, drawing praise for the father’s effort in making his child feel loved and entertained.

Social media users were moved by the clip, with many commenting on the importance of fathers being actively present in their children’s lives.

For this dad and daughter, the short but heartwarming video was more than entertainment; it was a snapshot of love, laughter, and the irreplaceable bond between them.

SA is in awe of the father-daughter moment

The online community took to the comments section to gush over the adorable duo, saying:

Precious Misa Dinizulu said:

"My daughter gets excited when she sees me, but when she sees her dad, the excitement is unmatched. Sana, I don’t even complain, I’m just happy my child gets to experience a present father in this day and age."

Ntsika Shiba wrote:

"Her facial expression seemed to indicate she had been abandoned. Hopefully, the dad had to step away, not just to record her reaction when he returned."

Boni Gambu stated:

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"Present father... Keep it up."

Ziyanda Tatilana replied:

"Present fathers are such a breath of fresh air, thank you, stranger."

Mshounza X Tee raved over the sweet moment, saying:

"This is so cute."

Jâñërösë Wåñjïkü added:

"Absent dad thinks it's AI."

Limpho Ndaba commented:

"Um, chopping onions here when she reacts like that, so real and emotional."

Alicia Nyambu expressed:

"Deadbeats never get to witness this."

Andisiwe Abesuthu Maneli raved:

"Present dads know the feeling of seeing your little one’s face light up at the sight of their father and no baby can fake that reaction. That’s pure love. 🥹 Priceless man! ❤️"

Watch the video below:

Impact of fathers on children's growth and wellness

Research from the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) highlights the many benefits children gain from having present and involved fathers. Engaged fathers contribute to their children’s emotional well-being, helping them develop confidence, self-esteem, and social skills. These children are often more resilient, better able to handle stress, and show stronger problem-solving abilities.

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Academic performance is also positively influenced, with children demonstrating improved concentration, language skills, and overall school achievement. In contrast, children with absent or uninvolved fathers face higher risks of behavioural challenges, mental health issues, and social difficulties. Beyond individual development, active father involvement strengthens family bonds, promotes healthier relationships with peers, and encourages responsible behaviour.

3 Briefly News stories about fathers

• A man posted a video about his feelings on Father's Day as someone who has stepchildren he is devoted to.
• Rapper Kwesta showed that he is not only a hitmaker, but also a present dad as he shared cute pictures of himself and his daughter.
• A dad enthusiastically pumped up his little girl on her first day at school, giving her the right kind of motivation to build her confidence.

Hilary Sekgota, human interest head of desk at Briefly News, contributed to this article.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News