Twenty rural women shared more than R40 000 in outstanding maintenance fees, when the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development held an imbizo to hand over maintenance monies to beneficiaries on Tuesday. It took place at the Makuya Multi Purpose Community Centre (MPCC), near Tshikondeni Mine. The function was part of the Department’s Operation Isondlo.

Isondlo is a Zulu word, which means ‘maintain’. The operation was launched almost a year ago after it was realized that there was a need to educate the public about maintenance issues after an amount of more than R21m lay unclaimed at the maintenance offices.

Limpopo Divisional Chief Magistrate Belinda Molamo further explains the objectives of Isondlo: "Operation Isondlo enjoins maintenance courts to adhere strictly to the Batho Pele principles, to follow up dormant files, establish reasons why the file was abandoned, follow up on beneficiaries who are not collecting their monies and similarly follow up on defaulters by implementing the provisions of the Maintenance Act."

Molamo says the operation is also aimed at training staff and increasing the staff component in the maintenance sections of the courts. "We are looking at improving the turnaround time in maintenance matters, including issues around long queues that people have to deal with. We want to urge parents to take responsibility for their children freely and they should not see maintenance orders as punishment."

The Court President of the Limpopo Region, Takalani Raulinga, says the money at the maintenance offices remains unclaimed because of address mix-ups or lack of knowledge from the beneficiaries. "It is our duty as the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to make sure that service is delivered to the people’s doorsteps, especially those in rural areas. All people have the right to access services where they stay. We felt it would be a milestone achievement to bring the money to the beneficiaries in their places of residence instead of their traveling for long distances to collect the fees."

Raulinga encouraged the beneficiaries to utilize the money for its specific purpose. "You must refrain from misusing the money because it is meant to maintain children. Children who are taken care of have high esteem and feel loved. This enables them to build strong ties and strengthens the relationship between them and their parents."

Olivia Mudau, one of the beneficiaries who received a cheque of R17 000 in outstanding maintenance fees, says she thanks the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development for coming to her rescue.

She added: "I had already given up hope that I would ever get the money because I have not been receiving it for a long time. I will use the money to educate my children so that they become responsible future leaders of our society."