Dress Like Your Dad Day Inspires Reflection On Fathers’ Crucial Role In Education And Success

In honour of Father’s Day this past week, Fundi called on South Africans to honour their dads – celebrating the often-overlooked role that fathers and father figures play in shaping our educational journeys. “Dress Like Your Dad Day” was held for the first time this past Friday: with sons and daughters of all ages sharing their experience of the campaign on social media…

With Father’s Day celebrated this past Sunday, Fundi encouraged families to get an early start last week with their “Dress Like Your Dad Day” campaign. Created to recognise the role dads play in shaping our futures by supporting our education, Fundi invited children of all ages to dress like their dads and post a photo with a dedicated message to the dad “behind their outfit”. “Whether your dad cheered from the sidelines at your graduation, helped you with your homework or hustled to pay school fees, Dress Like Your Dad Day gave all of us an opportunity to reflect on how our dads enabled our success,” explains Sphiwe Masuku, Fundi’s Head of Brand and Marketing.

Launched on social media, the campaign was about far more than outfits however. “We wanted to spark conversations about how we support fathers in our communities, particularly in a country where their absence has become a social crisis,” notes Masuku. According to Statistics South Africa, over 43% of children grow up in single-mother households, often without consistent father involvement. This lack of paternal support can have far-reaching implications, from emotional insecurity to reduced access to financial support and educational opportunities, among others.

“Whether biological or chosen, fathers are more than just breadwinners,” she adds. “They are symbols of stability, protectors of dreams and partners in progress. When your dad is in your corner, you’re unstoppable.”

The campaign acknowledged that not every learner grows up with an active dad – which is why the initiative also honoured single mothers and other role models who’ve stepped into this critical space. “We wanted to make this a cultural moment that celebrates all forms of fatherhood, resilience and the support that fuels educational dreams.”

The public call to action to post a “dad-inspired” outfit on social media with a short tribute was well-received. Five lucky participants won lunch vouchers worth R600 – just in time to treat their loved ones over Father’s Day weekend.

“As an educational enabler, we want to acknowledge the sacrifices and support offered by dads to make educational dreams realities – especially this month of June,” says Masuku. “A large portion of our loan book comprises loans by fathers or those standing in as fathers for their children or immediate family. It’s critical that we acknowledge and honour their contribution to the futures of others,” Masuku concludes.