A Johannesburg nurse is helping reshape conversations around fatherhood and masculinity, saying today’s fathers need more empathy and emotional openness rather than silence and emotional suppression.

Bafana Manyisa, a healthcare professional based in Johannesburg, South Africa, believes society’s understanding of masculinity is overdue for change. Drawing from his experiences both in nursing and family life, he says true strength is found in compassion, not emotional distance.

Manyisa, who works in community healthcare and outreach, says his daily interactions with patients have taught him that care goes far beyond medicine. For him, healing often begins with dignity, kindness, and simply being present.

His journey into nursing was not a traditional one.

Originally interested in motor mechanics, Manyisa said he discovered his real passion was helping people. Encouraged by his sister, who was already in healthcare, he pursued nursing — a decision that would ultimately shape both his professional and personal life.

Growing up in Mohlakeng, west of Johannesburg, he says community values played a huge role in forming his outlook on life.

Those early lessons in resilience, humility, and caring for others later became central to his approach to fatherhood.

As a father himself, Manyisa says many men today are silently carrying emotional and financial burdens while feeling pressured to remain “strong” at all times.

He believes this outdated mindset is harming families.

Instead, he encourages fathers to speak up, seek support when needed, and become emotionally available to their children.

According to Manyisa, being present matters more than appearing invincible.

He argues that the same qualities that make an excellent nurse — patience, empathy, resilience, and attentiveness — are the very same qualities that shape strong, healthy fathers.

His message comes at a time when conversations around men’s mental health and modern parenting are growing louder across the world.

More fathers are becoming actively involved in childcare, emotional support, and family wellbeing — a shift Manyisa believes is long overdue.

For the nursing profession, his story offers a refreshing reminder that healthcare workers don’t just impact patients.

They also shape families, communities, and future generations.

And sometimes, the strongest thing a father can do is simply care.