The ATM is urging Parliament to address the issue of fathers being denied access to their children, raising critical questions about parental rights and family welfare.
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has asked the Portfolio Committee on Social Development to look into the growing problem of fathers being denied meaningful access to their children. They believe this issue is often overlooked.
In a letter dated July 6, 2026, to Bridget Masango, the committee's chairperson, ATM Chief Whip Hon. Thandiswa Marawu urged the committee to hold a public hearing at the beginning of Parliament's Third Term. Marawu argued that the issue has been left off the legislative agenda for far too long.
Marawu wrote: “South Africa is confronted with a silent crisis that receives far too little attention from policymakers and legislators."
The letter argues that while significant attention has rightly been devoted to protecting women and children, far less focus has been placed on the impact on children who are prevented from maintaining relationships with both parents.
