Credit question debated
ACCORDING to independent researcher Joy Watson, the pros and cons of maintenance defaulters not being able to access credit is a contentious issue that has been extensively debated.
“The view that blacklisting would limit creditworthiness and further prevent defaulters from paying maintenance has been carefully considered.
“The reality is that while there are no definitive statistics on the number of maintenance defaulters in South Africa, it is estimated that this number is unacceptably high.
“In this context, men abscond from child-rearing responsibilities and women bear the financial brunt of making ends meet within difficult economic circumstances.
“This contributes to a situation where many South African children live in poverty, which has lifelong repercussions in terms of health and well-being, and the ability to stay in school and to access life opportunities,” said Watson.
“For this reason, there is a need for a solution to a problem that has been ongoing for many years and to end unacceptable levels of child poverty.
“The Maintenance Amendment Act seeks to address existing loopholes in the system.
“Maintenance courts will be required to expedite enquiries as quickly as possible and those who default and shirk their responsibility will have their information submitted to the credit bureau.
“This is a strong message of zero-tolerance on the part of the State; a response that is necessary.”
Watson said the act made provision for when someone was unable to pay a certain amount – they could approach the court to get this reduced if this could be proved by a change in circumstances.
This, she said, ensured that the system created ways of providing for non-affordability of maintenance, while taking a firm stance against those who sought to relinquish their responsibility towards their children.