“It’s time to be the man. It’s time to step up and take responsibility for your household. Provide for them, take care of them and protect them. Make sure your boys are raised to respect and protect women and that your children know they have responsibilities as law-abiding citizens of our country.” says Ian Cameron, spokesperson for Action Society.
According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA)’s report on Children’s Education and Well-being in South Africa (2018), child deaths are on the rise in South Africa. In 2017, unnatural causes of death among children aged 5 – 9 rose to 39,1% from 23,8% in 2007. The percentage of toddlers aged 1–4 who died from unnatural causes more than doubled from 10,9% in 2007 to 22,4% in 2017. Similarly, unnatural deaths among under-one-year-old children rose from 2,6% in 2007 to 3,4% in 2017.
Most children in South Africa live in non-standard family structures, usually with only one of their biological parents. In 2018, twice as many children had a co-resident mother (76.4%) compared to those who had a co-resident father (36.4%).
Action Society appeals to fathers from all walks of life in South Africa to start taking up their parenting responsibility. In a country where GBV is rife and 116 rape cases are reported every day it is time for the men in our communities to stand up, be part of their children’s lives and raise kids that can take up their place as law-abiding citizens in society.
Child abuse, sexual exploitation, neglect and child murder are worrying signs of a deteriorating society. A society where protection of children is not a priority. Absent fathers leave more than just an empty seat at the table ̶ they leave women and children compelled to fend for themselves, exposed and unprotected.
ISSUED BY: Action Society
DATE: 18 August 2021
