South African Workers Learn Parenting Skills on Company Time

A father who once refused to speak to his son now shares a warm, loving relationship with all his children, thanks to parenting classes he took during his work shift.

The transformation happened through Free to Grow, a 12-week program offered by South African companies to their employees during working hours. The initiative teaches nonviolent parenting skills, stress management, and peaceful conflict resolution to working parents who might never otherwise access such support.

Tikketai, an agro-processing company in the Western Cape, partnered with the Institute for Security Studies and the Seven Passes Initiative to bring the program to their workforce. CEO Burger Gericke noticed employees showing signs of trauma and high anxiety that affected both their work and home lives.

"Employees were showing obvious warning signs of trauma, frequently resulting in angry or aggressive outbursts," Gericke explained. The company restructured shifts so workers could attend sessions without disrupting operations.

Dr. Thandi van Heyningen, a clinical psychologist leading the research, says the program interrupts intergenerational cycles of violence. One father who previously used physical and verbal aggression toward his children completely transformed his approach after completing the sessions.

His children responded positively to the change, and the improvements extended beyond his home. His relationships with coworkers also became more positive and productive.

The Ripple Effect

The program addresses a reality many South African families face during Child Protection Week and beyond. Stressed, financially pressured parents often struggle with emotional regulation, and children mirror those responses at home.

Roslynn Damons, a program facilitator, says the biggest challenge is creating safe spaces where employees feel comfortable discussing personal struggles. When parents see facilitators model calm communication, they trust the process and apply those skills at home.

The results benefit everyone. Children raised by calm, responsive parents who set healthy boundaries learn to express emotions and handle conflict peacefully. Workplaces see improved productivity and team cohesion when employees manage stress better.

The program is expanding beyond Tikketai, with interest from mining, banking, and food processing companies. The Institute for Security Studies also wants to bring Free to Grow into schools and other public institutions.

Van Heyningen emphasizes that protecting children starts before crisis intervention. "Children need calm, warm, responsive and firm parents who can set healthy boundaries and make them feel safe," she said.

As South Africa confronts ongoing violence against children and women, Free to Grow demonstrates that lasting change begins with helping parents heal, regulate emotions, and build safer homes for the next generation.