Mr Speaker, the ANC regards the latest national programme by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development on releasing the names of maintenance defaulters as a step in the right direction in ensuring that parental responsibilities are fulfilled.
Launched in the Western Cape, the purpose of the programme is not to arrest, but to identify the whereabouts of defaulters and beneficiaries and ensure that their children are paid the maintenance due to them. The department has an initial list of 890 defaulters who owe R2,7 million in maintenance and they are determined to track down these people. The names of defaulters will be published at all courts and police stations and in the media.
Parents have a demonstrated ability to meet their financial responsibilities to their children, and these defaulters have consistently refused to provide the support they owe. The goal of this naming and shaming programme is to help ensure that children receive the financial support that they need and deserve. This national programme is being rolled out in the Western Cape, and government departments will communicate in order to track down defaulters effectively. The programme will also work to locate beneficiaries.
The ANC government will continue to ensure that we work towards creating a better, safer life for all our children and will not hesitate to use the full force of the law on children's behalf.