“EQUAL PARENTING FOR SOUTH AFRICA: 50/50 CUSTODY NOW”

We, the people of South Africa, call on Parliament to pass a law that makes 50/50 shared custody the default after any breakup, separation, or divorce — unless there is clear evidence of abuse or unfitness.

Why we support 50/50 custody

Children need both parents

1. Mothers deserve shared responsibility and reduced financial pressure
2. Fathers deserve fairness and meaningful parenting time
3. Crime and gang recruitment decrease when fathers are involved
4. Maintenance disputes are reduced
   Family courts are unburdened
5. Families become stronger and more stable

We believe that both parents should raise their children — equally, fairly, and actively.

We urge the South African Parliament to amend the Children’s Act to:

“Make 50/50 shared parenting the starting point in every custody matter.”

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS TO CHILDREN, MOTHERS, FATHERS & SOCIETY

Children

• Stability and emotional balance
  Less stress, trauma, and parental conflict
• Higher academic performance
  Lower risk of behavioural issues, depression, and substance abuse
  
  

Mothers

• Reduced mental load and childcare burden
• Freedom to study, work, or rebuild life
• Less court conflict
• Reduced financial pressure due to shared cost

Fathers

• Guaranteed meaningful parenting time
• Reduced risk of alienation
• Lower legal expenses and fewer court disputes
• Healthier father–child relationships

Society

• Lower crime rates
• Lower gang membership
• Reduced maintenance disputes
• Less domestic conflict
• More stable communities
• Lower burden on family and maintenance courts

Sign this petition if you believe in fairness, family, and the future of our children.

Signed:

[Public Signatures]