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‘Being a father is a blessing' - Tbo Touch on raising his sons
Having children is every man's dream, but being an actual father takes fortitude, selflessness, and sacrifice. This is something renowned broadcaster, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Tbo Touch, whose given name is Thabo Molefe, knows all too well.
He is a father to two boys, Ruri and Suri, but they are based in Australia. Although the distance between them is vast, he doesn't allow it to interfere with him being present as a father in their lives. He chats to Drum about the joys, the ups and the rewards of being a father.
Father's Day is a reminder of the conscious decision that some men have taken to become fathers to their children and the commitment that will last a lifetime. It is also a time to enjoy the joys of being a father that is able to shape and carve a beautiful path that will one day lead them into reaching their full potential.
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Having a busy schedule as he does, being a father to his boys overseas is a challenge, one that he embraces wholeheartedly although he concedes that it's rather a mammoth task.
'I fly out to Australia every fourth or fifth week. It's not easy, but I don't regret one minute of being with them. Being a father is a blessing, because I've been entrusted with the responsibility of shaping them into becoming men of purpose. It basically means that I have the opportunity to teach them lessons that will mould them,' he says. Being a parent doesn't come with a manual, which is why he believes he is doing his best to be a good father to his children. 'I was raised by parents who did their best to give me everything they could and there's a conception that taking your child to the best schools or private schools means they will come out well. But that's not true at all. A child needs to be taught values by his parents, so that they can fit well into the society. Materialistic possessions don't make great fathers, but love, care and attention are what make great fathers,' he explains.
'Fathers have to be present in their children's lives, not about materialistic possessions'.
Through his annual replenishment concert, which is also taking place this year, he also is shaping his kids' beliefs, especially since his father Rev Molefe gave him the gift of salvation.
'My kids were not born into Islamic religion or born into a family of non-believers, so they have no choice but to follow my beliefs and they already do, because I show them through my style. When I tell them I want something and that I'm praying about it, I'm teaching that nothing manifests without God, prayer and a fight. I teach that nothing that is worth achieving comes easy,' shares the star.
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Being a father to two sons has always been his dream, and although he is not ruling out the possibility of adding into his ability, he maintains that the choice lies with the mother. 'I'm not opposed to the idea, but the choice remains with the mother. I would rather have two boys and two girls, I don't like odd even numbers, it creates conflict. But yeah, I'm living my dream. I have always wanted to have two boys'.
Although he has such a hectic schedule, he doesn't take the responsibility of being father to his sons lightly, because he has been entrusted by God to shape them into becoming men who will take on his legacy.
'Those boys my legacy and they will forever carry my surname, when they get married, their wives and children will take on their surnames, which means the Molefe legacy will continue for generations, so it's important that they understand the importance the role they play in growing the Molefe legacy,' he concludes.
