The real victims of South Africa's custody battles aren't the parents.
The African Transformation Movement's (ATM) call this week for Parliament to investigate fathers' access to their children has reignited debate about South Africa's family justice system. But beyond the politics are thousands of parents caught in lengthy custody, maintenance and parental access disputes – and children left waiting while adults and the courts decide what their future will look like.
For Durban mother Tash Reddy, the problem is not fathers having access to their children. It is a justice system that she believes is failing to hold parents accountable.
"Mothers are carrying the burden that fathers are not showing up to carry as well. So it's not just about fathers getting access. There are lots of women like me who have no problem with giving fathers access. But we are so wrapped up in court procedures and court proceedings and delays ... I want my husband to see my kids as often as he can and be involved in every part of their lives," she said.
Reddy, who has been involved in legal proceedings for four years, says repeated delays have made meaningful co-parenting almost impossible.
