A South African has decided to tackle the problem of absentee fathers in his country by encouraging fathers to take up active roles in their children’s lives.
In an attempt to highlight the benefits of involvement and active participation of men in the lives of their children and partners, Lambert’s Bay fisherman, Marius Brown will run from Cape Town to Durban over 43 days.
Brown will cover around 1,890 kilometers, going through six towns, where he will share his story with fathers, parents, guardians, government officials and community members.
Statistics show that up to 9 million children in South Africa grow without their fathers, and only one in three live with both their biological parents.
According to South African Institute of Race Relations, by 2009, 56% of divorces with children were published, 48% proportion of children with absent, living fathers, 52% of which represents black fathers and total number of orphans 3.95 million. These numbers continue to increase.
Brown grew up without a father after his parents separated, an experience that made him vow never to allow his children miss a father figure in their lives.
“I remember how alone, lost and confused I felt after my parents separated following years of constant fighting,” says Brown.
Brown’s run will begin on 16 April at 10:00 from the City Hall and members of the public are encouraged to attend the send off to show solidarity and support for this initiative.
The run is due to end in time for Brown to participate in the Comrades Marathon.
Research has shown that absence of fathers when children grow up was one of variety of factors associated with poor educational outcomes, antisocial behavior and disrupted employment later in life.
The father’s presence has a direct and indirect influence on major decisions regarding health, well being, academic achievement, self confidence in girls as well as adjustment and behavior control among boys.
