The State of South Africa’s Fathers 2024 report reveals challenges and a changing landscape of fatherhood in the country.
South Africa (10 February 2025) – Children deserve to grow up with both parents actively involved in their care, milestones, and interests as they navigate each stage of their development. Unfortunately, this is a dream for many children who aren’t in traditional family setups, as the reality of positive fatherhood and present fathers remains a disheartening challenge in many South African households.
A new report, the State of South Africa’s Fathers 2024 (SOSAF 2024), gives us important information about fathers in South Africa. It looks at what roles fathers play, the problems they face, and how fatherhood is changing.
In 2023, only 35.6% of South African children lived with their biological fathers in the same household, while 40.3% lived with other men, like stepfathers or uncles.
The report was put together by several organisations, including Equimundo, Stellenbosch University, the University of Cape Town, Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) and Sonke Gender Justice. These groups say this research is key to making good policies about fathers.
Changes in fatherhood identities
The traditional idea of fathers as just the “provider” has changed. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that fathers are taking on more caregiving.
Often, mothers are doing both – providing and caring – which can be very difficult. Experts say that a father’s financial situation greatly affects how involved he can be. Poverty and unemployment make it hard, and there’s also the expectation that women do most of the parenting.
UCT co-editor of SOSAF 2024, Dr Mandisa Malinga, says that what stood out for her was the role that economic stability plays in determining men’s parenting and involvement in their children’s lives.
“Though most of the men whose voices are represented in the report express a desire to be a present father, their socio-economic status serves as a barrier. The prevalence of poverty and unemployment in the country has an impact, as does the gendered expectation of positioning women as the ones who must do the actual parenting work.
“This highlights the importance of shining a light on how fostering close, caregiving relationships with their children can enrich men’s lives and expand their identities as fathers, and as men,” shares Malinga.
The recognition of social fathers in South Africa
The report also shows that many children live with men who aren’t their biological fathers (i.e. grandfathers, uncles etc), noting that these “social fathers” can be very important in a child’s life. They can be caregivers, mentors, and role models.
“This finding is crucial because it challenges the traditional notion of fatherhood being solely tied to biological connections and emphasises the importance of recognising and supporting the diverse forms of fatherhood that exist in South Africa,” says Dr Wessel van den Berg, Senior Advocacy Officer at Equimundo and co-editor of SOSAF.
He adds that children benefit from the care of any man who helps them grow and be healthy.
The impact of caring fatherhood on children
The report also highlights that fathers’ poor involvement in care has profound implications for South African children.
When fathers aren’t involved, children can struggle. They may have money problems, do poorly in school, or have mental health issues. They may also lack emotional support. That’s why it’s important to encourage positive fatherhood and make sure children have good male role models.
Experts say we need to change how we think about manhood. We need to tell stories about men who are strong, caring, and involved. They also stress the need to focus on who is actually involved in a child’s life, not just whether they are the biological father. Social fathers, like grandfathers, uncles, or even teachers, can make a big difference.
There is also the need for more social programmes that teach boys and young men about caregiving and emotional responsibility.
Engaging fathers in ways that meet their unique needs
According to Dr Onyinye Nwaneri, the Managing Director of Sesame Workshop South Africa, interventions aimed at addressing the country’s low levels of fathers’ involvement in parenting and caregiving must recognise that men have distinct needs.
She says:
“This includes addressing high rates of violence, depression, and substance abuse that may be linked to harmful norms around masculinity. This includes addressing high rates of violence, depression, and substance abuse that may be linked to harmful norms around masculinity. There needs to be a focus on building equitable gender norms in childhood to promote healthier decision-making later in life by ensuring boys’ and young men’s access to mentors who endorse equitable gender norms and model healthy behaviour.
To be effective, we must speak directly to men and boys when designing male engagement programmes and evaluating their effects. Public education campaigns, workplace policies that support work-life balance, and community programmes that promote the value of caregiving by both parents can help to encourage a cultural shift towards shared caregiving responsibilities between men and women.”
Transforming childhood in South Africa
The state of fathers in South Africa has a profound impact on young children. Experiencing men as caring, trustworthy role models who are forces for good in children’s lives can positively shape the outlook of generations.
When fathers are involved, it’s good for everyone. Children do better in school, have better social skills, and are less likely to experience violence. Fathers themselves have better relationships, improved mental health, and more financial stability. By making involved fatherhood the norm, we can create a better future for South African families.
As experts push for changes like shared parental leave -which would make it easier for fathers to be involved- the report hopes to start conversations about fatherhood and influence policies that support families and children.
Sources: Supplied
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