As South Africa prepares to celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday, popular local personalities are opening up about the profound impact their fathers (and father figures) have had on their lives, sharing touching tributes filled with love, gratitude, and appreciation.
Martin Bester, Jacaranda FM radio personality
For Martin Bester, Father’s Day is especially meaningful this year as he gets to spend time with his father, who lives in the Great Karoo in the Eastern Cape.
“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 as active as ever, running his pub and making regular trips to the coast to enjoy the sea and go fishing.
“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 can do so in person.”
Bester hopes others will also take time 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, Content creator and Expresso Morning Show host
Chanley Wong shared an emotional tribute to her father, thanking him for being 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 adds she hopes her father knows how deeply appreciated he is.
“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, radio personality and author
For Carol Ofori, Father’s Day carries double significance.
“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 says her children are fortunate to have a father who has been deeply involved in every stage of their lives.
“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 says she honours her husband for the role he plays within 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 relationship with her father, Ofori acknowledges that it has not always been simple.
“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 adds, “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. I celebrate my dad and all the complexities that come with the relationship.”
Shandor Larenry, Content creator and wildlife expert
Shandor Larenty says his father’s influence extends far beyond family 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.”
The animal conservationist says many of his most treasured moments have come from working 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 but powerful: “Happy Father’s Day, Dad. Thank you for giving me a life I could only have dreamed of.”
While every father-child relationship is unique, these messages serve as a reminder that Father’s Day is about more than gifts and cards. It’s about gratitude, memories, forgiveness, love and recognising the men who have helped shape our lives, whether through daily acts of support, lifelong lessons or simply by always being there when it mattered most.