Pilot project to blacklist child maintenance defaulters launches in Gauteng
The project comes eight months after the department of justice and Social Justice Foundation confirmed they were going ahead with the initiative, with the rollout aimed to begin in August.
The two entities signed a memorandum of understanding in November last year to have defaulting parents blacklisted.
Spokesperson for the ministry of justice and constitutional development Terrence Manase confirmed to Sowetan that the pilot project involves 10 courts in Gauteng and training started last Wednesday.
He said the training was part of a structured in-service programme aimed at capacitating court officials at the 10 selected pilot sites.
'This phase includes a two-level verification process to ensure data accuracy and legal compliance, including protection of children's identities. The department is finalising system integration and information security processes.'
He said the training focuses on strengthening the application of section 26 of the Maintenance Act, which empowers complainants (usually maintenance beneficiaries) to enforce maintenance orders when payment has not been made.

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TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Pilot project to blacklist child maintenance defaulters launches in Gauteng
Ten courts in Gauteng have been used to roll out a pilot project aimed at blacklisting persistent child maintenance defaulters with credit bureaus. The project comes eight months after the department of justice and Social Justice Foundation confirmed they were going ahead with the initiative, with the rollout aimed to begin in August. The two entities signed a memorandum of understanding in November last year to have defaulting parents blacklisted. Spokesperson for the ministry of justice and constitutional development Terrence Manase confirmed to Sowetan that the pilot project involves 10 courts in Gauteng and training started last Wednesday. He said the training was part of a structured in-service programme aimed at capacitating court officials at the 10 selected pilot sites. 'This phase includes a two-level verification process to ensure data accuracy and legal compliance, including protection of children's identities. The department is finalising system integration and information security processes.' He said the training focuses on strengthening the application of section 26 of the Maintenance Act, which empowers complainants (usually maintenance beneficiaries) to enforce maintenance orders when payment has not been made.


Mail & Guardian
23-07-2025
- Mail & Guardian
South Africa must unlock financial sector for growth, says African Development Bank
The African Development Bank (AfDB) says South Africa's well-developed financial sector has the potential to be the continent's powerhouse. The African Development Bank (AfDB) says South Africa's well-developed financial sector has the potential to be the continent's powerhouse if structural constraints are addressed. 'South Africa has a well-developed and large financial sector with an asset-to-GDP ratio of 88%, well above that of most emerging markets. The financial system consists of banking institutions, pension funds and a dynamic stock exchange,' the bank said Accounting for 20% of GDP, the country's financial sector provides broad access to financial services. More than 90% of the adult population uses formal financial services, with 81% holding bank accounts and 78% using non-bank financial institutions. 'The country needs a concerted focus on enhancing domestic capital mobilisation, more efficient public expenditure, and a stronger overall business environment to unlock greater investment and foster sustainable growth,' the AfDB said. It urged the government to follow through with plans to enhance business growth by reducing red tape, fostering a supportive environment for small and medium enterprises, improving infrastructure, strengthening multilateral cooperation, clamping down on crime and promoting skills development. 'While the financial system is stable, non-performing loans rose from 4.7% of total loans in 2023 to 5.7% in 2024 due to weak business growth. Household financial distress from rising interest rates since late 2021 has led to mortgage defaults, but easing borrowing costs are expected to support the sector,' it said. The development bank forecasts that South Africa's real GDP growth will remain subdued at 0.8% in 2025, with a likely uptick to 1.2% in 2026, depending on 'improved energy supply, freight rail and port management'. It identifies some of the continued domestic risks as 'ongoing infrastructure deficits, unresolved problems in electricity provision, 'South Africa is one of Africa's most dynamic economies, underpinned by a diversified economic base, strategic geographic location and ongoing commitment to structural transformation,' the report said, noting however that economic growth has underperformed in the past three years to 2024, averaging 1.1%. Factors such as China's economic slowdown, geopolitical tensions, climate vulnerabilities and trade disruptions are projected to further add uncertainty to the country's growth outlook. The AfDB highlights strengthening institutions as essential to improving tax administration, corporate governance and capacity-building to make full use of natural, human, financial and private sector capital. Although the country has many advantages because of its location, targeted training, regional staff exchanges and international collaboration are vital to improving performance and resilience. 'GDP growth The bank said South Africa's income inequality remains among the highest globally, with a Gini coefficient of 0.67 recorded in 2018. 'Government spending remains highly redistributive, with up to 61% of the budget allocated to the social wage — spending on health, education, social protection, community development and employment programmes,' the report said. South Africa funds about 'To meet its Vision 2030 targets and the sustainable development goals, South Africa requires about $254 billion to $329 billion in financing for transport, water and sanitation and education between 2022 and 2030,' the report said. Inefficiencies in public spending and underuse of business and natural resources limit the country's financial capacity. 'Unlocking South Africa's natural capital requires good governance, stronger institutional coordination, adherence to the rule of law, infrastructure development, and capacity development,' the AfDB said.

The Herald
19-07-2025
- The Herald
Arena Holdings mourns celebrated and seasoned Sowetan executive editor Pearl Sebolao
Sowetan executive editor Pearl Sebolao has died, Arena Holdings MD Nwabisa Makunga confirmed on Saturday. 'It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of our colleague, Sowetan executive editor Pearl Sebolao,' she said. The seasoned and much-loved Sebolao previously served as Business Day digital editor where she helped shape content and provide guidance in the newsroom. 'Pearl was a quiet force in our newsroom, thoughtful, meticulous and deeply committed to editorial excellence,' Makunga lamented. Her career in journalism spanned many years. Though Sebolao worked away from the limelight, her influence was impactful in the newsroom, said Makunga. 'The stories she helped shape and the support she offered to many colleagues over the years will be missed. 'She was a mentor and a steady hand and someone who brought integrity to everything she did.' Makunga said Sebolao's death would leave a void in the newsroom. Memorial and funeral details will be released by her family in due course. TimesLIVE