Advocate Carol Johnson from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development confirmed the matter is before parliament and is currently being considered.
“It went through the National Assembly last week and is now at the National Council of Provinces (NCOP),” she states.
She adds that if both houses accept the application, it then goes to President Jacob Zuma to sign.
If he signs, this will be legitimised and the law will come into effect.
This means defaulting parents will be blacklisted and unable to get credit.
Springsites commented on the proposed new law on our Facebook page:
- Bridgette Pullinger: “Yes, I agree.”
- Makkie Du Preez: “I agree with this. If the mother must suffer, then the same for the father.”
- Marion Friedenthal: “What if the man is really unemployed? What will blacklisting achieve if he doesn’t even have money to apply for credit or is already blacklisted? “Do mothers accept that they are responsible for 50% of children’s expenses? “I’m sorry, but I do not believe all men are as bad as they are purported to be when it comes to paying maintenance. “Some women are bloodsuckers and withhold visitation when maintenance is outstanding.”
- Chere Willett (translated from Afrikaans): “What if the father doesn’t work? What happens to the money in arrears?”
- Many of the Facebook commentators agree and think this is a valid reason for fathers to be blacklisted.
- Derek McCarogher: “Always two sides to a story. Maybe people should not just get divorced in the first place.”
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