“Absent Fathers Will Think It’s AI”: Present Dads Bonding With Their Kids Left Mzansi Emotional

• A video showing present fathers bonding with their children went viral on social media, capturing hearts across South Africa as viewers praised men actively showing up for their kids
• The clip highlighted a worrying statistic: over 60% of South African households reportedly grow up without fathers, emphasising the social and emotional gaps left in many families
• Hey Modern Dad explained that it aimed to rebuild community and reshape a generation one meetup at a time, offering support, encouragement, and shared experiences

The video sparked emotional reactions across Mzansi, with many praising men who choose to be actively involved in their children’s lives. In a country where father absence remains a major social challenge, the initiative encouraged accountability, healing, and positive male role models. It reinforced the message that consistent presence can help mend generational gaps and strengthen families.

A heartwarming video showing multiple fathers bonding and playing with their children left South Africans emotional. The clip, posted by @heypresentdad on 24 February 2026, featured dads spending quality time with their kids, laughing, carrying them, and engaging in simple but meaningful moments of connection.

Read also

"Much respect to you": 19-year-old farmer shows reality of his life in South Africa, Mzansi wowed

The caption highlighted a sobering reality that more than 60% of households in South Africa reportedly grow up without fathers present. The message acknowledged that while a father being involved should be the norm, statistics show that many children are raised without that consistent male presence, leaving lasting social and emotional gaps.

Present fathers reshaped generational narratives

The initiative behind user @heypresentdad’s video, Hey Modern Dad, explained that it aims to rebuild and reshape a generation one meetup at a time. The group focuses on creating community among fathers, helping to reduce the mental and emotional load many men carry. By encouraging accountability and shared growth, they aim to strengthen families and challenge cycles left by previous generations.

Mzansi praised the fathers in the video, saying it was powerful to see men showing up intentionally for their children. Many noted that presence, not perfection, makes the difference. The video sparked conversations about fatherhood, responsibility, and the importance of positive male role models in shaping a healthier, more connected society. Present fathers are celebrated a lot in South African considering most children grow up without one.

Check out the TikTok video below:

Here’s what Mzansi said

Sandy said:

Read also

Zulu woman gave a tour of her father’s house in Nigeria

"Young men deserve to see more of this. 👏🏾🤍"

Modiegi said:

"Thank you, gents! We are rooting for you."

Mrs.sik said:

"Beautiful community for dads. ❤️"

Louie said:

"When is the next one, gents?"

I'mAngie said:

"This is beautiful to watch."

3 Other Briefly News stories about fathers

• A heartwarming TikTok video went viral, showing a father offering his young son a choice of cars before school, sparking reactions.
• American star Doja Cat recently opened up about her tough childhood and being raised by a single parent without her dad being present.
• Kabelo Motsamai, better known as the award-winning musician Prince Kaybee, took to X to share a video of the time he spent with his two sons.

Source: Briefly News