In a candid chat, film director, photographer, and artist Justice Mukheli opens up about fatherhood, the lessons he's learned, and his favourite Joburg spots.
Welcome to The Fatherhood Files, your ultimate guide to fatherhood in Joburg! In celebration of Father's Day 2025, we're shining a light on the incredible dads who are navigating the adventures of raising kids in the City of Gold. From heartfelt lessons and invaluable advice to the best spots in the city, this is your go-to source for all things dad in Johannesburg. Get ready for inspiring stories, real talk, and plenty of laughs!
For our latest feature, we spoke with renowned film director and artist Justice Mukheli about his transformative journey into fatherhood and the profound shifts it has brought to his life and creative work.
New Perspectives: Understanding motherhood and beyond
Becoming a father to his one child has given Justice "new eyes." A pivotal realisation for him has been the distinct difference between parenting and motherhood. "As men, especially from the world I come from, women are not given the flowers they deserve," he candidly shares. He now understands that while men contribute significantly to parenting, the innate nurturing of a mother is unique. This shift has profoundly altered his perspective on the societal contribution of women.
Beyond this, fatherhood brought a new awareness to his immediate surroundings. Simple things, like his home, took on new meaning. "Coming back home with her, I couldn't engage with my house the same way," he reflects, mindful of how his 9-month-old daughter occupies and explores every space. This newfound sensitivity has extended into his creative work, making him feel "a lot more sensitive" and freeing him from external expectations.
Embracing imperfection and uncharted paths
Justice confesses that his initial excitement about fatherhood was mixed with "huge nerves" for the first three months. He'd envisioned the "novelty" of a child but underestimated the profound responsibility and mental load. A key lesson he's learned is to embrace imperfection. "I will never be perfect in my approach to parenting, but my approach is perfect for me," he asserts. He champions trusting natural instincts over rigid advice, reminding us that "what everyone else says is what works for them."
Becoming a father also brought unexpected personal healing for Mukheli. It resurfaced trauma from his own father leaving when he was 12, prompting a powerful pact: "No matter what happens, I will never leave my child." This commitment drives him to defy traditional notions of fatherhood, embracing a role as a proud primary caregiver in his home.
Justice maintains a dedicated schedule to ensure he’s present, leaving for work at 8 AM and aiming to be back by 3:30 PM to take over childcare, including bath time and bedtime.
What core values does he wish to instil in his daughter? Kindess and mindfulness. He believes mindfulness will allow her to "think beyond herself" and lead with kindness, acknowledging that we never know what others are truly going through. He emphasises being a present example, believing children learn most from who we are and what we love. He believes this holistic approach will help ground his daughter amidst the vibrant, bustling reality of Joburg.
Check out Justice's work and follow his journey on Instagram
Killarney is one of Joburg’s most underrated neighbourhoods. Known for its leafy streets, art deco apartment blocks, and old-school charm, it offers a peaceful pocket of city life with a surprisingly cosmopolitan edge. From weekend strolls in the quiet avenues to picking up fresh pastries at Fournos in the Killarney Mall, the vibe here is slow, nostalgic, and effortlessly cool just like Justice.
Rosebank is where Joburg’s creative energy meets cosmopolitan cool. With its mix of art galleries, rooftop bars, boutique hotels, and buzzing markets, this neighbourhood is as vibrant by day as it is by night. Whether you're browsing contemporary African art at Keyes Art Mile, catching a film at The Zone, or sipping cocktails with a view, Rosebank delivers a polished yet playful urban experience.
With its tree-lined streets, charming cafés, and close-knit community feel, Parkview offers a welcome escape from Joburg’s urban hustle. It’s the kind of neighbourhood where you’ll find locals walking their dogs or grabbing coffee at Croft & Co, which is one of Justice's favourite spots to go to as a young family. Just a stone’s throw from Zoo Lake and the Johannesburg Zoo, Parkview is a leafy haven that blends tranquillity with timeless charm.
Steeped in history and lined with jacaranda trees, Houghton is one of Joburg’s most iconic suburbs. Known for its stately homes, leafy avenues, and links to Nelson Mandela’s legacy, it offers a quiet elegance just minutes from the city's hustle. With easy access to The Wilds, a beautifully restored public park that Justice loves. "It's incredible. It makes me feel like I'm in Europe or New York." Houghton is home to a growing number of upscale cafés and delis blending heritage with a sense of calm sophistication.
Braamfontein is where Joburg’s pulse beats loudest. A hub of creativity, student energy, and street culture, it’s home to indie coffee spots, rooftop bars, cutting-edge galleries, and iconic institutions like Constitution Hill and the Wits Art Museum. That being said, it comes as no surprise that this is the location of Justice's studio. "I love where I work, my studio is quite nice, and I come here with my little one quite often."
He finds respite painting in his studio or developing film ideas, and he cherishes the unique bond of bringing his daughter to his work, hoping she'll one day be his assistant.
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