Parental Leave Revolution: South Africa's Landmark Decision Sets New Standards
South Africa plans to pioneer shared parental leave, making it the first country in Africa to implement this provision. The country’s highest court recently declared that both parents had the right to take time off following the birth or adoption of a child, allowing them to determine how to divide a four-month parental leave. “It raises the bar on leave for parents in a wonderful way. I’m thrilled our law is becoming more in line with our constitution,” said Wessel van den Berg, MenCare officer at Equimunda, a gender equality organization. While it is widely viewed as a step in the right direction, some have concerns that this move might “shortchange mothers.” Nevertheless, this policy change is a hopeful step toward developing a more egalitarian and balanced caring ecosystem.
