Stories from Kwaggafontein
Kwaggafontein is an office devoted to domestic violence in Mpumalanga. The head paralegal is Nthofela Makhele. Our junior journalist is Jan Sindane.
Each story first appeared on partner community radio station Emalahleni FM and was produced by community paralegals.
Loan Sharks and Social Grants
Earlier this month it was ruled that the banks can reach into your social grant account and make a deduction – this is considered a legitimate action. This is an interesting verdict given the plight of most households across the country. Two of our offices, one based...
Deceased Estates: Are you leaving behind happiness or conflict?
If your ex refuses to pay maintenance – here’s what to do.
Thembi Skhosana from Kwaggafontein has three children, 8, 12 and 13 years respectively. She has not been receiving adequate support from the father of the children, Mandla. He says he is unemployed and and cannot pay maintenance. What options does Thembi have? Both parents have a legal duty to financially support their children. A primary caregiver has the right to apply to a maintenance court for an official demand that the other parent contribute monthly to the support of the child. Read more
What happens when caregivers misuse the Child Support Grant?
The Child Support Grant is an important instrument of social protection in South Africa. The government financially assists parents and care givers with the monthly grant of R350 when parents do not earn enough to support the family or are unemployed. But what happens when the money is not going to the children? How can the payment be cancelled and given to the person who has the best interest for the children?