NPA SOCA Community Dialogue - 30 September 2023

ABOUT

Join us for a free workshop focusing on Maintenance and Family Law. Our community of professionals is dedicated to facilitating discussions on the relevant challenges encountered in court by parents, court officials, attorneys, mediators, and social workers as well as members of the public. We aim to establish safe environments where we can collaboratively seek solutions to various pressing issues pertaining to Maintenance. 

This month, our focus is on DNA and paternity, we will have a special guest Dr. Denis York from Molecular Diagnostics Services (PTY) LTD, Durban. He will be assisted by Sister Patricia Bergh who will do a demonstration on the blood tests examination that is conducted at courts.

We are honoured to have an amazing lineup of speakers, offering valuable insights into the diverse challenges that impact mothers within our justice system:

Ms. Bongelwa Qandashe (MC/Host): Will address the voice of the vulnerable women and children in Family Courts and how the NPA Community Dialogues can assist mothers in Family and Maintenance courts.

Advocate Deon Ruiters (NPA Senior Prosecutor maintenance): Response to August 2023 Voice of Women in the Justice System. Advocacy and lobbying amplifying the voices of women in the justice system.

Ronel Ras (mediator): Will discuss DNA and paternity - what to do when respondent denies his is the father. Section 36 Children's Act Paternity, Section 10 (6) interim orders Maintenance Act.

Dr. Denis York: (Dr in Science. Molecular Diagnostics Services (PTY) LTD, Durban): Section 21 DNA Tests - He will be discussing how these tests are conducted and if test results will be manipulated.

Liezel Cronje: She will be unpacking if mothers can claim UIF benefits of an unemployed respondent. As well as the support for mothers in maintenance courts - the Whatsapp Group to support mothers.

Dr. Carmel Jacobs (Senior Lecturer, University of the Western Cape Private Law School): She will be unpacking The SA Law Commission Paper 157 on Proposed amendments to Maintenance. The way forward for women in justice.

Advocate Deon Ruiters (NPA Senior Prosecutor maintenance): Will be discussing DNA/paternity and adoptions. Civil attachments Sections 28(1) (d) of Amendments Act 9 of 2015 and Service of emolument attachment orders.

T&Cs apply:

*Please make sure you select the correct ticket type – either online or in person. This is important for us as it helps us cater accordingly.

**Please ONLY reserve a ticket if you intend coming. If something comes up, kindly let us know to free up the ticket for someone else. Email: [email protected]

Head count helps us with planning logistics like printing materials, refreshments, number of volunteers on the day. Please do honour your ticket, as so much work goes into planning these dialogues. As these are free events, they are volunteer run, please honour and respect our volunteers and guest speakers time.

***We have limited space for children, booking tickets for your children and not pitching takes opportunity away from a parent that needs it. Also we rely on volunteers in the kiddies corner, if kids do not pitch volunteers end up coming in for nothing (they give up their Saturday for us). Please ONLY book a kiddies ticket if you intend coming. Repeated no shows will be not be allowed to book a ticket in future.

Please remember to save your ticket QR and barcode to sign you in. Please bring your ID to confirm identity. NO ID, no entry. Thank you.

This a free ticket to attend in person. Please only select if you commit to attending. This helps with planning logistics as noted in T&Cs.

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