DSD WRAPS UP THREE-DAY MOTHER AND DAUGHTER / FATHER AND SON PROGRAMME WITH RENEWED FAMILY COMMITMENTS

By Nonhlakanipho Masola.

• Families from Upington renewed their commitment to communication, empathy, and trust during the three-day Department of Social Development (DSD) parenting programme.
• Parents and children pledged to rebuild emotional connections, listen more, and spend quality time together.
• DSD encouraged families to apply and share the lessons learned to strengthen communities and promote intergenerational healing.

The Department of Social Development (DSD) has successfully concluded its three-day Mother and Daughter/Father and Son Programme in Upington, Northern Cape, leaving parents and children deeply inspired to rebuild and strengthen family bonds.

Throughout the programme, families participated in engaging breakaway sessions designed to enhance communication, foster trust, and address emotional disconnects within households. These discussions created a safe and supportive environment where both parents and children were able to express themselves freely.

During their feedback session, children shared that they would make a greater effort to spend quality time with their parents, assist more with household chores, and maintain open and honest communication. They emphasised the importance of mutual respect and understanding as the foundation of strong family relationships.

Parents, in turn, reflected on their own childhood experiences and committed to being better parents than their own had been. Many expressed that they would listen more attentively, be patient, and ensure that their children always feel safe to confide in them and never feel afraid to approach them. The atmosphere became deeply emotional as families acknowledged the need for healing and connection.

Ryan Groeneveld, a Social Worker from the Northern Cape DSD, delivered a powerful presentation encouraging families to sustain the positive changes initiated during the programme. He highlighted that strong families are built on communication, empathy, and continuous effort from both parents and children.

Among the participants was Simamkele Mana, a young mother from Paballelo in Upington, who shared her heartfelt reflections on the programme. Having married at a young age and becoming a mother to her husband’s daughter, she said the experience taught her valuable lessons about parenting and family relationships. She explained that she had learned how to keep the bond between parents and children alive by being present, showing love, and maintaining consistency.

She added that parents should embrace rather than embarrass their children, give hugs often, and avoid making promises in moments of excitement or decisions when overwhelmed by emotion.

As the programme drew to a close, Ms Bawinile Zungu from the National Department of Social Development thanked all participants for their active involvement and presence. She encouraged them to continue applying the lessons they had learned during the three days, reminding them that transformation begins at home.

She urged parents and children to practice love, understanding, and effective communication in their daily lives so that they may become better individuals, families, and members of their communities.

Ms Zungu also appealed to participants to share the knowledge and insights gained from the programme with other parents in their communities. She emphasised that by spreading these lessons, families can help break cycles of generational trauma and emotional hurt, paving the way for a healthier, more connected society.

As the curtains closed on the three-day gathering, both parents and children expressed heartfelt gratitude to the department for creating a platform that promotes healing, togetherness, and mutual understanding.

The DSD’s Mother and Daughter / Father and Son Programme continues to stand as a beacon of hope for families seeking to strengthen their relationships and nurture love within their homes.