OPINION | Government should intervene on the issue of father absence among South African fathers

The issue of father absence is one that attracts a great deal of attention in South Africa. Here in South Africa, our Correctional system does not use a "Punishment" approach. That is why our Correctional facilities are called Rehabilitation facilities. What this means is that; You go in there and you find programmes that are there to help you to become a better person.

I am of a view that the state must take a similar approach with regard to MEN who are ABSENT in their children's lives. If certain requirements are met, a man who is absent in his child's life must be taken to a facility where he is to be taught about Fatherhood and its importance for atleast 03 months, instead of forcing them to be present through "Maintenance orders".

I can guarantee you, these facilities won't be relevant after 20 years from the year they start operating because every man will know that if i impregnant a girl, i must take FULL responsibility or the state will teach me how to. As much as women are allowed to take maternity leave, men should be allowed to take what i would call FAL (FATHERHOOD AWARENESS LEAVE). We need this intervention very urgently. Recently, the State of South Africa's Fathers (SOSAF) 2021 report found that 41% of children are living with men who are not their biological fathers.

‘Father absence’ in this case is defined as fathers who are physically, economically and psycho-socially absent from their children. In other words, if a father financially supports his child by buying for him/her food and school clothes, he should not be referred to as completely absent from the child’s life. Similarly, a father who psychosocially supports his child, for instance calls the child, post his pictures but does not buy him what he/she NEEDS is partially absent.    

The bottom line is that; A CHILD NEEDS A FULLY PRESENT FATHER. The level of involvement of a father in a child’s life, therefore, is important to focus on. This aspect is often missing in national statistics and conversations about fatherhood.

*******************The End 









Reference:

Nasi Hako "State of South Africa's Fathers report reveals more male family members are taking on father-figure roles" News24 Nov 2021 https://www.news24.com/parent/family/parenting/state-of-south-africas-fathers-report-reveals-more-male-family-members-are-taking-on-father-figure-roles-20211126 Accessed on 28 November 2021

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