Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of men paying child maintenance in South Africa: a generalized estimating equation approach

Despite legal provisions that empower courts to enforce child maintenance payments in South Africa, many fathers do not consistently fulfil these obligations, shifting the burden of care to mothers and maternal relatives and limiting resources essential for children’s wellbeing and development. This study examines the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics associated with child maintenance payments among men in South Africa. The study used secondary data from the National Income Dynamics Study Wave 1–5 (2008–2017). The sample comprised 718 person-wave observations from 636 men who reported child maintenance payments. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) with a Gamma distribution and log link were used to account for repeated observations over time. The unstructured working correlation structure was selected based on the lowest quasi-likelihood under the independence model criterion (QIC). The results indicate that race, age, occupation and income were significantly associated with child maintenance payments. Payment amounts were significantly higher among Indians and White fathers compared to Black fathers (β = 1.0542; p < 0.01). Higher payments were also observed among older men (aged 53–57) compared to younger men (18–28). Income was positively associated with child maintenance payments, with higher income levels associated with higher amounts paid (β = 0.0000345; p < 0.01). These findings highlight the importance of addressing social and economic factors that influence fathers’ ability to meet their child maintenance obligations. Policies and programmes that improve employment opportunities and raise awareness of child maintenance responsibilities may help strengthen financial support for children.