20 deadbeat dads owe R1.6m
Around R2.5m was attached from the pensions of 49 maintenance defaulters since April.
|||Cape Town - About R2.5 million was attached from the pensions of 49 maintenance defaulters since April as part of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development’s Operation Isondlo Campaign.
About R1.6m of that had already been paid out to mothers, some of whom had been waiting as long as a decade.
Gillian Samuels, of Simon’s Town, applied in 2005 for maintenance for her two children, and on Tuesday received R115 000.
The department’s provincial head, Hishaam Mohamed, said they had identified 1 078 outstanding warrants of arrest for defaulters since the end of last month, and had executed 391 warrants worth over R3.3m.
“We are painfully aware of the challenges facing single mothers, who are dependent on maintenance to ensure the well-being of their children. The message received through the interaction with the community was clear; defaulters of child maintenance must be brought to book.”
He said that jail time was not the answer and that defaulters should be brought to book and face up to their responsibilities.
The lives of three women were changed on Tuesday after they received maintenance payouts at the Bellville Magistrate’s Court.
Sizeka Dyantyi, of Milnerton, applied for maintenance in 2012 for her three children and an order was made last year for her to receive R1 000 per month, for each child. On Tuesday she was granted R36 000 and said she would put the money towards her children’s education.
“R36 000 for three kids is nothing, but it does help to fill the gap. Money will always help in some way and it feels great to finally get something from him.”
Dyantyi said that it was a difficult process and at one point she wanted to quit, but said she was thankful that her attorney advised her to carry on.
“There were times where I wouldn’t pitch for court and I didn’t really want to do it, but my lawyer kept pushing me and he helped a lot and I am so grateful.
“It was very stressful. I would have to ask for time off work to go to court, but I am glad I didn’t give up, it was worth it in the end.”
She said she was in arrears with her children’s school fees and that she would use the money to clear the debt, and save the rest.
“They will be going to varsity soon, so I will put the rest away for that, but I hope he will continue to pay because we need more money.”
Marianna Coetzee, of Parow, applied for maintenance arrears earlier this year, in respect of her minor children, for more than R120 000.
The court ordered the payment be made in a once-off payment.
On Tuesday, she received over R80 000 and the rest will be paid at the end of this month.
“The last time he paid was in January and I’m glad he paid at last.
“This was a stressful time and having to be in and out of court, but now that I have the money I will invest it.”
Coetzee said she also had a good lawyer and was grateful he had convinced her not to give up.
yolisa.tswanya@inl.co.za
Cape Argus
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