WHO QUALIFIES?

The Labour Laws Amendment Bill grants new fathers 10 days’ parental leave. It also allows parents who adopt a child 10 weeks’ leave (for the primary caregiver) and 10 days’ leave for the other parent – provided the child is younger than two when adopted.

Parental leave will be covered by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). Cheryllyn Dudley, an MP for the ACDP who was instrumental in getting the bill passed, says employers’ HR departments will facilitate the processes.

Youlandé Prinsloo, who specialises in labour-related issues, says parental leave will also be granted to same-sex couples.

The new bill – which is expected to come into effect in January – requires both parents’ names on the child’s birth certificate and it’s hoped this will lead to greater accountability from both partners.

‘You can’t start something and then stop halfway through’