FATHERHOOD: SEVERAL CHALLENGES OF FATHER ABSENCE IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN LANDSCAPE.

The focus of this paper is on father absence in the South African context, a growing concern with significant implications for family well-being, relationships, morality, and children's development. Father absence poses a considerable social challenge for many communities across South Africa, necessitating efforts to address and restore family cohesion. Research indicates that men often struggle to confront their identity crisis, which in turn hinders effective fatherhood and exacerbates the issue of father absence. Addressing this challenge is crucial for promoting healthier family dynamics and societal well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]