In a revealing conversation on “The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast”, Scoop Makhathini, the charismatic South African television presenter known for his engaging personality, opened up about the intricate layers of fatherhood and the personal choice he made to embrace a child-free lifestyle earlier in his life.
Makhathini, whose real name is Siyabonga Ngwekazi, recounted his evolving thoughts and feelings toward parenthood, painting a picture of independence entwined with emotional complexity.
Once filled with apprehension regarding becoming a parent, Makhathini now navigates the challenges of raising a teenager with a sense of calmness.
“It was scary, it still is. I think it’s calmer now,” he shared, highlighting the myriad responsibilities that accompany fatherhood.
His initial fears were rooted in a profound desire for freedom and a fear of forming emotional ties that could lead to inevitable pain.
“I never wanted to be a father. I wanted to be a free-flowing soul on this earth,” he expressed, revealing that the connections he fostered with family deepened his anxiety about emotional vulnerability.
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Makhathini eloquently articulated the intricacies of love, loss, and the ensuing fears. “For several reasons, I love very deeply … I also don’t want to be buried before them because it’s gonna be hard to hurt them leaving,” he shared.
This fear of separation isn’t limited to human relationships; he candidly admitted to avoiding the companionship of pets, preferring to sidestep the heartache that can accompany loss.
As Makhathini explained his approach to life, it became clear that purpose and passion have always driven him.
“I believe I’m here to do what I wanna do on this earth,” he stated, affirming his dedication to pursuing personal ambitions regardless of external expectations.
However, he also recognised that the commitments of parenthood often reshape these aspirations.
“Having kids, you can’t make certain decisions that are spontaneous for your well-being,” he explained, reflecting on how his dreams of living off the grid now feel distant amid parental obligations.
Despite his earlier scepticism and hesitations, Makhathini has come to embrace the journey of fatherhood, reflecting on the transformative evolution it has inspired within him.
He described his current experience of parenting as “calmer,” signalling an unexpected change in his outlook on life and relationships.
While acknowledging the inherent challenges, he appears to have discovered a harmonious balance between freedom and responsibility, offering him a refreshed perspective on what it means to care for another.
