Dads missing for 40% of kids

Under-parenting has profound consequences, says researcher.

- Thando Nondywana

The number of children living with their biological fathers in South Africa has declined, while the percentage of those growing up in households with other adult men has increased.

This is according to the State of South African Fathers 2024 report, which examines fatherhood, caregiving roles and the social and economic pressures shaping family structures. It was released last week by Stellenbosch University.

The report showed that in 2023 only 35.5% of children lived in the same household as their biological fathers, while 64.5% grew up without them.

However, a broader look at co-residence with men—including fathers and non-fathers—revealed that 76% of children lived in a household with an adult man and 24% of children lived in homes without any adult men present.

Of the 76%, only 35.6% lived with their biological father, while 40.4% lived with another adult man who was not their father.

The non-biological male figures may be older brothers, uncles, grandfathers, stepfathers, tenants, or co-residents—sometimes take on social fathering roles, providing support in place of biological fathers.

The report underscored the far-reaching effects of father absence on children and society.