Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
15 March 2025 | 13:55 CAT

The Evolving Role of Fathers in South Africa. While fewer children live with their biological dads, grandfathers, uncles, and stepfathers are stepping up.

The shifting landscape of fatherhood in South Africa is once again under the spotlight as the 2024 State of South Africa’s Fathers report reveals key insights into the evolving roles of men within families.

According to the report, fewer children now live with their biological fathers, yet male figures such as grandfathers, uncles, and stepfathers continue to provide care and support. Professor Kopano Ratele from Stellenbosch University, speaking on Radio Islam International, highlighted the significant social and economic factors shaping these trends.

“This is the third iteration of the report, and it continues to show a gradual decline in the percentage of biological fathers residing with their children. Currently, only 35.6% of children live in the same household as their biological father,” he stated. The report has tracked this decline since 1996, showing a consistent downward trajectory.

Professor Ratele pointed to historical and socio-economic reasons for this shift. “One major factor stems from South Africa’s history of labour migration, where fathers left their families for extended periods to work in mines and urban centres. This disruption has had a lasting impact, with many families still struggling to rebuild traditional father-child co-residency structures,” he explained.

Economic challenges also contribute to this reality. “The data shows that fathers in lower-income households are less likely to live with their children compared to those in affluent families,” Ratele added. He emphasized that financial instability often leads men to distance themselves from their families, particularly when they feel they cannot fulfil their traditional provider roles.

However, an increasing number of “social fathers” are stepping in to fill this void. These men, who may be uncles, grandfathers, or even older siblings, take on caregiving roles, providing financial and emotional support. “Our research highlights cases where social fathers engage in childcare, household chores, and even education-related expenses,” Ratele noted.

The report underscores the need for policy adjustments to recognize and support these evolving family dynamics. “Social fathers play a crucial role, yet current policies do not adequately acknowledge them. We need legislative reforms similar to those that recognized grandmothers as primary caregivers eligible for child support grants,” Ratele urged.

As South Africa grapples with changing family structures, the call for more inclusive policies to support both biological and social fathers grows stronger. Ensuring these men can actively participate in child-rearing without economic or legal barriers will be key to fostering healthier family environments.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Annisa Essack and Professor Kopano Ratele.