A Story of Resilience, Leadership, and Healing a Nation
Dr Charley Pietersen’s story begins in the small town of Smithfield in the Free State, South Africa. After matriculating from Dr. Blok High School in Bloemfontein (Heidedal), he went on to graduate from the University of the Free State—laying the foundation for a life dedicated to impact, leadership, and transformation.
A former CEO of Bloemfontein Celtic Football Club, Charley is a respected businessman, sought-after inspirational speaker, and published author. He is the proud father of four—Sharad, Krisnovan, Aiysha, and Gallio—and a loving grandfather to Mason, Amani, and Leo.
Passionate about meaningful social change, Charley has made it his life’s mission to tackle the crisis of fatherlessness in South Africa. His work is driven by a deep commitment to restoring families, building resilient communities, and empowering future generations.
In recognition of his humanitarian contributions, Dr Charley Pietersen was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism by the Global International Alliance (USA).
It’s a question I hear often when people talk to me about the work our Foundation is doing.
And my answer is simple:
“Maybe we can’t help everyone or change the whole world, but if we can help just one person, to that person, it could mean the world.”
That’s the heart of what we do. We’re not here to save the world we’re here to make a difference, one life at a time.
“Do you really think you can help everyone?”
It’s a question I hear often when people talk to me about the work our Foundation is doing.
Dr Charley Pietersen’s leadership journey began in 1988 as a bank teller at FNB. Through hard work, vision, and resilience, he rose through the ranks to hold executive positions at both Standard Bank and FNB. His leadership extended beyond banking into the world of professional sports, where he made a lasting impact as CEO of Bloemfontein Celtic Football Club.
Charley played a pivotal role in South African football on a global stage, serving as Deputy Venue Manager during the historic 2010 FIFA World Cup. His extensive career spans multiple sectors—including banking, sports management, marketing, and public service. He also served as the AsgiSA (Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa) Coordinator for the Free State government, contributing to national development efforts.
Through his foundation, Dr Charley Pietersen is addressing one of the most urgent social challenges of our time: fatherlessness. His mission is deeply personal and powerfully transformative—offering mentorship, emotional support, and advocacy for children and families affected by absent fathers, whether physically or emotionally.
In his book Growing Up Without a Father, Charley highlights how this epidemic disrupts homes, hinders academic success, and weakens the fabric of entire communities. His work is not only a call to awareness but a movement of healing, empowerment, and restoration—ensuring that future generations grow up with stronger foundations and positive male role models.
Dr Charley Pietersen is the acclaimed author of seven influential books, including powerful biographies of South African football legends Dr Petrus Molemela, Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe, and Bernard ‘Die Hond’ Parker. His groundbreaking titles Growing Up Without a Father and Boy Child, You Matter continue to inspire and challenge societal norms around fatherhood and the role of men in families and communities.
Charley’s tireless advocacy for social change has earned him national and international recognition. He holds a Doctorate in Humanitarianism from the Global International Alliance (USA), was honoured with the REAL D.A.D. Model of the Year Award (UK) and was a proud finalist for the prestigious SA Men Award.
Account Name: Growing Up Without A Father SA Foundation NPC, Account Type: Cheque, Account Number: 62770318171, Bank: First National Bank, Code: 250655
THIS IS NEITHER A LEGALLY BINDING CONTRACT. WE CONSIDER IT A FREE-WILL EXPRESSION OF INTENT TO GIVE TO THE GROWING UP WITHOUT A FATHER FOUNDATION IN SUPPORT OF ITS MANDATE.
GUWAFSAF is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation and has been approved to issue Section 18A certificates in terms of Section 18A of the Income Tax (Act 58 of 1962). This means that if you, as a taxpayer, or your company, make a bona fide donation in cash or in kind (material assets), this qualifies as a tax deductible expense.