‘I’ve no idea where he is’

A GAUTENG mother claims she received just R1 500 in maintenance for her son over the past nine years.

The 33-year-old marketing assistant told POST that her child’s father was among the thousands of men evading paying maintenance.

“The court ordered that he pay R3 000 for his son. The first month he paid me R1 500 saying he did not get paid enough. He promised to pay the balance the following month and when I called he said he’d left his job.

“I have no idea where he is. I heard that he is now living in Durban and working part-time,” she said.

“If I go back to court they will arrest him and I don’t know how this will benefit us.”

Kiara (not her real name) said that she had been dating the child’s father and decided to leave the relationship when she was about three months pregnant.

“We had no contact. He would call his son about twice a year and that was it. Two years ago I decided to go to court for maintenance. He has just been in and out of my son’s life.”

She said the most recent interaction was just before her son’s birthday.

“He called asking for my son’s banking details to deposit money for his birthday and promised to visit. Nothing materialised.”

Kiara said going to court took time.

“There are a number of documents to be filled out by both parties. The last time he came to court without necessary documents and the matter had to be adjourned.”

She said it was financially difficult to cope as a single mother, but she had tried to provide the best life she could for her son.

“A man has a financial and emotional responsibility to his child. Even if it’s R100 or R200, it tells you something about a person.”