27/11/2018
Working dads can now take paternity leave for 10 days
2018-11-27 10:35
Riaan Groble: NEWS 24
Working South African dads are now entitled to 10 days of paternity leave after the birth of their children.
President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Labour Relations and Labour Amendment acts into law on Friday.
The Labour Amendment Act also includes provisions for 10 weeks of parental adoption leave if the baby is under the age of 2 years (applies to one parent only) and surrogacy leave, as well as increased UIF and maternity benefits.
NGO Sonke Gender Justice said it was "an incredible victory for parents in SA".
"Now an employee who is a parent not covered by maternity leave is entitled to 10 consecutive days' parental leave when their child is born or when an adoption order is granted. Congratulations to all who have tirelessly advocated for this," the organisation said.
"Parental leave for fathers creates a valuable opportunity for fathers to do unpaid care work and to bond with their children. Child development research is clear on the fact that a child bonds with the adults that provide for their basic survival needs, in other words, the adults who care for them," according to Sonke.