Missing the Backbone: Why the National Development Plan Must Acknowledge Fatherhood

The National Development Plan (NDP) for South Africa, despite its extensive 489 pages detailing various aspects of national growth, notably omits a crucial component: the role of fathers in child development. This glaring absence raises questions about the overall effectiveness and foresight of the plan.

Author Themba Dlamini, a father of four and a pastor, examines the implications of this oversight in his reflections on fatherhood and national policy. He likens the NDP to a house devoid of its essential structural pillar, the insika, which is critical for supporting the home. In the absence of this pillar, the plan fails to address the fact that a significant number of children—approximately 64%—do not live with their biological fathers, as reported in Stats SA’s General Household Survey for 2025.

Dlamini's critique is not just about numbers; it's about the lived experiences of children and families. He highlights that while the NDP proposes various educational and developmental initiatives, it neglects the familial context in which these children are raised. The plan mentions early childhood development, yet it does not inquire about the fathers' roles in that development. The statistics paint a stark reality: fewer than one in three children in South Africa live with both parents, raising concerns about the future of these children without paternal involvement.

In contrast, Dlamini points out that other countries, such as China, have recognized the significance of family in national planning and have taken steps to reinforce it through policy. He argues that South Africa’s development strategy misses a fundamental truth: the family is not merely a backdrop but the very foundation of society's future.

Furthermore, the NDP's challenges in areas such as safety and economic opportunity are exacerbated by its neglect of family structures. Dlamini asserts that without addressing the absence of fathers, interventions in these areas may be futile. The potential for societal improvement hinges significantly on re-evaluating the role of fathers and father figures in children's lives.

As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, Dlamini acknowledges the strength of women who have historically taken on the responsibilities of raising children alone. However, he emphasizes that recognizing this strength should not equate to planning on such burdens continuing indefinitely. He advocates for a more balanced approach that includes the presence and involvement of fathers in the developmental narrative—a perspective that could lead to better outcomes in education, safety, and community stability.

Ultimately, Dlamini’s reflections urge a reconsideration of the NDP. He calls for the inclusion of strategies that promote father involvement and support the family unit as a whole. The NDP can only be a robust framework for national development if it acknowledges and incorporates this missing pillar of fatherhood.

Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za