South African Celebrities Share Heartfelt Father’s Day Tributes

Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the men who have helped shape our lives, and for many South African celebrities, it is also an opportunity to reflect on family, gratitude and the lasting influence of fathers and father figures.

As South Africa prepares to celebrate Father’s Day, several well-known personalities have shared touching messages honouring the men who have played important roles in their lives.

Martin Bester: Cherishing Time Together

For Jacaranda FM breakfast host Martin Bester, Father’s Day is particularly special this year as he gets the chance to spend time with his father ahead of the celebration.

“I don’t get to see my dad as often as I’d like to because he lives in the Great Karoo in the Eastern Cape, but this year I am very lucky because I get to spend some time with him ahead of Father’s Day,” says Bester.

Despite his age, Bester’s father remains active, running his pub and regularly heading to the coast for fishing trips.

“It’s always good to catch up with him and I want him to know that he means the world to me and I love spending time with him when we are able to do so in person,” he says.

Bester also encouraged others to connect with their fathers.

“I hope everyone gets to spend time with their dad, either in person or through a phone call, or enjoy a memory of their dad this Father’s Day.”

Chanley Wong Thanks Her Biggest Supporter

Expresso Morning Show presenter and content creator Chanley Wong shared an emotional tribute to her father, describing him as her biggest supporter.

“Happy Father’s Day, Papa! Thank you so much for being my biggest supporter,” she says.

“I know love exists because I have had the privilege of being loved by you. Thank you for being the first man who ever loved me and for continuing to love me so wholeheartedly.”

Wong says she hopes her father understands how much he means to their family.

“I really hope that you know just how much you are loved and how much you are appreciated by all of us, not only today, but every day. I love you always and always.”

Carol Ofori Celebrates Two Important Men

For radio personality and author Carol Ofori, Father’s Day is a celebration of both her father and her husband.

“Father’s Day is twofold for me. I celebrate my father on Father’s Day and then I also celebrate my husband on Father’s Day,” she says.

Ofori praises her husband for being a dedicated and involved father to their children.

“My kids are incredibly blessed to have a father who is so dedicated, so loving, so present. He has changed nappies. He has been to important school events. He knows the friends’ names. He has shown up in every way that a little girl or a little boy would ask their father to show up.”

She adds that she is grateful for the role he plays in their family.

“I’m so blessed and grateful to God that I have this incredible partner who shows up every day as an incredible dad.”

Reflecting on her own father, Ofori acknowledges the complexities within their relationship.

“My parents parted ways when I was 12 and it’s always put a toll on my relationship with my dad. But needless to say, I love my dad very much.”

She says she has learned to appreciate her father for doing the best he could.

“I celebrate my dad for being the best dad he could be with what he knew. Even though at times it’s been difficult, I’ve had to grow up and understand that for some fatherhood is a walk in the park and for others it’s a little bit more difficult.”

Shandor Larenty Honours His Father’s Influence

Content creator and wildlife expert Shandor Larenty says his father’s impact has shaped both his personal and professional life.

“Everything I am today, both personally and professionally, started with my dad,” says Larenty.

“He didn’t just introduce me to wildlife, he taught me patience, respect, hard work and the importance of building trust, whether with people or animals.”

Larenty says many of his most treasured memories have been created alongside his father.

“Some of my greatest memories and biggest lessons have come from standing beside him. I’m incredibly grateful to still share this journey with him.”

His Father’s Day message is simple and heartfelt.

“Happy Father’s Day, Dad. Thank you for giving me a life I could only have dreamed of.”

More Than Gifts and Cards

While every father-child relationship is different, these tributes highlight the many ways fathers influence the lives of their children.

From lifelong lessons and unwavering support to forgiveness, gratitude and cherished memories, Father’s Day remains an opportunity to recognise the men who have helped shape who we are.

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