Summary
South Africa's highest court ruled that both parents of newborns should get equal parental leave. Previously, mothers received four months of leave, while fathers got only 10 days. The court found this law unfair and said that parents can now share the leave time as they wish.
Key Facts
- The Constitutional Court of South Africa ruled for equal parental leave for all parents.
- Previously, mothers received four months of leave, while fathers got 10 days.
- The court declared parts of the current law unconstitutional and discriminatory against fathers.
- The case was initiated by a married couple and the Commission for Gender Equality.
- The decision means parents can now decide how to share the combined leave time.
- The court's decision aims to promote gender equality and improve children's wellbeing.
- The ruling gives the South African parliament three years to update the legal framework.
- Employers will need to adjust their leave policies to comply with this new ruling.
