: experiences of IsiXhosa young males in a rural community in the Eastern Cape

Various studies have indicated that there is a high rate of father absence in South Africa. This is due to many socio-political conditions like migration, resulting in fathers leaving their families behind in rural areas to find work in urban areas. In addition to this, many households are in fact headed by females as single mothers and they often raise children effectively under difficult socio-economic circumstances. They are often supported by their extended family members such as aunts, uncles and grandparents who take on the role of providing, guiding and giving emotional support for their children’s well-being. South Africa is diverse, with different cultures, where certain cultural practices requires the presence of the father. An example of this is the isiXhosa culture particularly in the rural communities, where the presence of the biological father is important during the transition period from boyhood to manhood. In the absence of biological fathers during this period, other men in the family play this role, known as social fathers. Conversations around absent fathers do not always recognize these support figures in the life of young people. This research study focused on the experiences of young IsiXhosa males regarding the role of social fathers in the process of navigation into adulthood. The researcher conducted this study using a qualitative research approach with non-probability, purposive sampling. Information were gathered through narrative interviews allowing participants to share their experiences of different life transitions and the role that social fathers played during these times. Narrative analysis were used as data analysis method to identify and summarize information gathered. The participants were drawn from the rural communities of Idutywa in the Eastern Cape. The sample of this study were young IsiXhosa males between the age of 18 and 35. The researcher hopes that, by focusing on the role of social fathers in the development of young people, their roles can be escalated and more duly recognized in the work with families.Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 202