New milestone law in SA extends parental leave for fathers, adoptions, and surrogacy

As of November 1 , employees who were not entitled to maternity leave before will now on be entitled to 10 days’ paid parental leave to November 2018, and implemented into the constitution as of November 1 2019. Former ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley is a history maker, being the first member of the parliament of SA to have a Private Members’ Bill be accepted by a committee, then be passed in the National Assembly, and then passed in the NCOP. Dudley shared the following with JOY: “There are many moments of exquisite revelation and realisation of God’s love and awesome majesty in parliament. The Labour Laws Amendment bill took 4 years, but it got there. It provides for Parental & Adoption leave and has been celebrated across South Africa by workers and especially young fathers who enthusiastically welcomed being recognised and valued in this important role. This legislation should also empower women who have traditionally shouldered all the childbearing, childcare, and domestic responsibilities. It has been such a privilege for me to have been entrusted with this bill and I am grateful to God. Having four sons, one daughter, four grandsons, and two granddaughters, I couldn’t be more delighted for young people starting families.”