Women get 16 weeks of leave and men two weeks to look after their newborn. This drives women from work and prevents men from participating in child rearing

The definition includes adoptive parents and commissioning parents in surrogacy cases

In addition to paternity benefits, the act will see UIF benefits for workers losing their jobs increase from eight to 12 months

New dads and adoptive parents should have the same time off work as moms who give birth

Getting parents more involved in childcare is good for a child’s health and prospects in life. South Africa needs to get with the programme.

Men need longer paternity leave, especially as 64% of children grow up without a father. And Hendri Terblanche is willing to go to court to get it.

Mandatory paternity leave would spur dads to play a more vital role in their children’s lives.