Chair, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development continually fails to provide speedy and satisfactory relief to many maintenance beneficiaries. Most of these beneficiaries are women and children, and they have to struggle on an ongoing basis to force nonpaying parties to comply with their basic responsibilities.
This week, during a briefing of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on the Public Protector's annual report, I asked Advocate Madonsela whether she would be prepared to investigate the systemic failures of the Maintenance Courts to address the desperate needs of women and children. She indicated that such an investigation may well be required.
Yesterday I sent an official request for such an investigation to her. She has advised that she agrees that it is an important issue that affects many people and that she will confirm within 10 days whether she will investigate it or not.
For the past two financial years, no court order has been made at all in respect of approximately 60% of new maintenance applications. This is unacceptable and is inhibiting people, especially children, from accessing the opportunities and services to which they are entitled.
Parents should accept financial responsibility for their children and allow them to maximise their potential, instead of abusing the system to avoid doing so. When this occurs, it is imperative that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development acts to protect and promote the best interests of children. [Applause.]