IT'S a holiday tradition much like the trifle on the Christmas table - the disappearance of Mzansi's men over the festive season. Infidelity, selfishness and an utter lack of respect for their loved ones are but some of the reasons men in South Africa go missing over the holidays.
Imagine hearing from family and friends that your partner is partying up a storm somewhere with their friends, or even worse, with a side chick! Many women don't have to wonder.
We took to the streets to ask both men and women about the possible reasons for Mzansi's disappearing men:
For many women, it’s a hurtful thing to experience when their significant other goes off the grid during the December holidays. Unfortunately, this is a sad reality for many families in South Africa.
Juggling multiple relationships, financial infidelity, and lack of responsibility were the most common answers among women. In their defence, men said that it’s because of the constant pressure they receive from their families when it comes to expenses.
Thato Mogorosi said: “Most men are afraid of responsibilities and have women on the side. They’d rather support another women’s child than their own children. Other men have a tendency of taking a number of loans and by the time they get paid, there is no money left.”
Anthony Whyworry said: “It depends on individual differences. Most men disappear due to personal reasons forgetting their responsibilities, but mostly in South Africa it's because of family responsibilities like buying the kids Christmas clothes. Also, most men have different baby mamas.”
Could it be that some men are leading a double life, or do they pull away because of the overwhelming stress they are forced to deal with in their everyday lives?
