The Johannesburg High Court handed down a judgement that will now see South African fathers enjoy up to four months of parental leave and associated Unemployment Insurance Fund benefits in October 2023. The matter was brought to court by a Polokwane couple, Werner and Ika van Wyk, with Sonke Gender Justice and the Commission for Gender Equality among other organisations appearing as amicus.
Sonke believes this ruling marks a new era of a more inclusive and equitable society, as well as recognising the diversity of modern family structures and that both parents play an integral part in the nurturing of children. Namuma Mulindi, Sonke Gender Justice’s Policy Development and Advocacy Specialist, spoke to ENCA about this.
