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About Cool Dads Foundation
The Cool Dad Foundation is a non-profit organization that was established in 2012 by Bongani Luvalo and a network of friends in Kwa-Thema,
located in the East Rand after the realisation that many fathers play very little active role in the development and upbringing of their children.
This foundation was formed to respond directly and indirectly to this discourse. This Foundation seeks to address issues of fatherhood in society at large,
with an aim to engage with fathers in this all important role and remind them of their fundamental responsibility towards their kids. A Cool Dad is a present father.
He not only responds to his own children's needs...but also those of that are without fathers.
At a luncheon hosted by the then United Nations Secretary General Kofi Anan at the special session of the UN for Children, New York City, 9th May 2002,
Nelson Mandela said: "History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children".
We at Cool Dads Foundation aim to be that difference. We want to be more than a mouth piece for this demographic of society, we want to implement action.
Below are a few more concepts we will be building on:
- Be the change you want to see
- Differentiating between respect and fear
- Provider, protector, teacher, caregiver, mentor, role model, life coach
- More than a 'walking ATM'
- Eliminating the 'monster dad' perception of fatherhood
- Forgiveness
- Guidance
- Unconditional love
- Acceptance
- Discipline
- Compassion
- Safety
Our Vision
Is to grow into a nationally recognized network of fathers with a passion for fatherhood, addressing the social ills stemming from absent fatherhood and reinstate the image of the man and dignity of fatherhood in our society.
Our Misison
Is to facilitate, promote, educate, advocate and support a culture of positive fatherhood, by engaging with fathers and remind them of their fundamental responsibility towards their kids.
Our Core Values
- Selflessness
- Advocacy
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Passion
Our Objectives
- Create awareness on the adverse effects of having an emotionally and/or physical absent fathers.
- To provide parenting skills through workshops and seminars.
- Create dialogues between Father and Father, as well as Father and Child.
- To involve fathers that have already championed the course of fatherhood as a valuable resource to draw valuable lessons.
- To develop and promote effective programmes that engage fathers in all aspects of positive fatherhood.
Our Target Market
- All males that have assumed the role of fatherhood, including but not limited to present fathers, non-present fathers and expecting fathers.
The Founder
Sir Bongani Luvalo is the founder of the Cool Dads Foundation, he is a philantropist, youth activist and development practitioner.
He is also currently serving as the General Secretary of the South African Youth Council; the Youth Council is an umbrella body of youth organisations in the country. Their membership covers political, religious, business, students and issue based organisations.
Sir Luvalo is also an entreprenuer, owning companies that focus on Property Development, Project Management Consultancy and Transportation. His interest in human relations and behavior has set a path for him to be a Facilitator/moderator for seminars and workshops, Speaker and Social Commentator on Khaya fm, SA fm and Power fm and other media platforms. He has also presented papers on different platform including the World Council of Churches Peace conference in Kingston, Jamaica 2010. Conference of Parties (COP17), Durban 2011.
Bongani holds a B-Tech Degree in Theology with the University of South Africa, Marketing N6 Certificate at Springs College, Advanced Senior Certificate in Project Management and a Certificate in Cooperate Communication at the University of Witwatersrand. He is currently studying Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management at the Regenesys Business School.
Bongani is a father to a beautiful daughter, he is pragmatic and believes that "tommorow will be better than yesterday".
Our Office Staff
Born in the Eastern Cape, East London and later relocated to Gauteng, in the East Rand, Kwa Thema. An enthusiastic reader, hard-worker and ambitious young lady.
Phila Mbombela is a recent graduate of the University of Johannesburg. She obtained a BA degree in Public Management and Governance, majoring in Public Management, Information Management.
She previously served as an intern, specialising in Policy Research. Currently, she is the Cool Dads Foundation Office Manager.
Lerato Tshoane was born and raised in the East Rand, she matriculated in Brakpan High School. Ms. Tshoane holds a certificate in PR assistant from the Boston Business College and completed a Nated level 6 Marketing Management course at the Ekurhuleni East College (Springs Campus).
Ms. Tshoane serves as a PR intern at the Cool Dads Foundation.
She has previously served as a SANCA volunteer where she did drug awareness presentations to the communities. Lerato also has a passion for reading and loves food.
Born and raised in Kwa-Thema, Ms. Nokuthula Mhlongo started schooling at Zithembeni Primary School and matriculated at Kenneth Masekela Secondary School.
She proceeded with her tertiary education and obtained a National Diploma in Management from Tshwane University of Technology.
She currently serves an Office Administrator at Cool Dads Foundation. She loves reading and spending time with her family.
Born in Tsakane,Nhlanhla Chauke started schooling at Chanyela Primary School and matriculated at Photani Secondary School.
He proceeded with his tertiary education and has obtained a Financial Management N6 at Ekurhuleni East College.
Mr Chauke has in the past worked for PG Group as an Accounts Payables Clerk. He is currently a Financial Management intern at Cool Dads Foundation.
Born in the Vaal and raised in Kwa-Thema. Sydney Masoka matriculated in 2003 and went on to Study and Graduate for a Diploma in Information Systems Engineering at the Computer Training Institute.
He has worked as a field technician for various companies around Gauteng tending to their IT based needs.
He currently serves as an IT administrator at Cool Dads Foundation.