The Dad of Daughters
Robert Sibonakaliso Mbatha, 53, is the father of four daughters: Nonhlanhla 27, Ayanda 23, Zinhle 17, and Sipelele 13. He’s also guardian of two more – Lindokuhle, 19, and Ntombenhle 20.
Circumstances have changed a lot from when the 22-year-old Mr Mbatha met his future wife Phumelele at the old Maponya mall near Dube. He was then a young Soweto guy easing into working life. Today he is a successful businessman in the steel industry.
Robert and Phumelele preside over a household bursting with joyful female energy and pride in their dad. Breaking the family’s female tradition has been the recent arrival of a grandson. “It’s great to finally hear another male voice around the house,” laughs Mr Mbatha.
