MBABANE:The Constitutional Court of South Africa has confirmed the men’s right to a parental leave after the birth of their new babies, the South African Broadcasting Corporation(SABC) reported on Friday morning.
A parental leave is the time off from work for new parents to care for their child after birth or adoption.
“Both parents, regardless of gender, sex, colour or circumstances, will now be entitled to equal parental leave that they can share amongst themselves(4 months,10 days). ConCourt unanimously confirms constitutional invalidity against sections which deal with maternity and paternity leave under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) (and the corresponding UIF legislation). The court finds that the difference in the parental leave entitlement between birth mothers and fathers amounts to unfair and unconstitutional discrimination”, SABC reported.
South African Constitutional Court confirms men’s right to parental leave after the birth of their new babies(Reuters/Siphiwe Sibeko)