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South Africa: Who's My Dad? in South Africa That's a Complex Question - Report Tracks the Rise of 'Social Fathers'
The Conversation Africa, 3 March 2025
The State of South Africa's Fathers 2024 report is published by the new Tataokhona project at Stellenbosch University. The project focuses on research and interventions related to… Read more »
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South Africa: Any Parent Is Entitled to Four Months Parental Leave, Rules High Court
GroundUp, 26 October 2023
Sections of the Basic Conditions of Employment and the Unemployment Insurance Fund acts declared unconstitutional Read more »
Report Reveals Shifting Realities of Fatherhood in South Africa
Stellenbosch University's Tataokhona project has published a report, The State of South Africa's Fathers 2024, which examines the changing role of men in the family.
According to the findings, 76% of children live with an adult male, but only 35% live with their biological father, a decline from 45.3% in 1996. There are several factors contributing to this trend, including economic instability, migration, and shifting family structures.
The report revealed the growing role of social fathers - grandfathers, uncles, and stepfathers - who provide care despite lacking legal recognition. Despite economic hardships, financial provision remains central to fatherhood. There is a greater financial burden on women, with 85% of women supporting their children compared to 80% of men.
The report calls for policy changes, such as paid parental leave and support for caregiving roles, to address the challenges faced by fathers and redefine fatherhood beyond economic contributions.
