“And the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you little by little; you will be unable to destroy them at once, lest the beasts of the field become too numerous for you.” – Deuteronomy 7:22
One of the most amazing things for me as a member of parliament is that meaningful and profound moments happen right alongside everything else. They cause you to smile – your heart may even want to burst with joy or break with compassion – but they quickly become part of one big amazing tapestry of life-changing decisions, successes, near successes, and failures.
Moments of revelation
There are many moments of exquisite revelation and realisation of God’s love and awesome majesty in parliament. One of these for me was when I actually made a difference – and made history doing it! The history-making I am referring to is being the first member of the parliament of SA to have a Private Members’ Bill be accepted by a committee, then be passed in the National Assembly, and then passed in the NCOP.
Parental & adoption leave
The Labour Laws Amendment bill took 4 years but it got there. It provides for Parental & Adoption leave and has been celebrated across South Africa by workers and especially young fathers who enthusiastically welcomed being recognised and valued in this important role. It has been such a privilege for me to have been entrusted with this bill and I am grateful to God. Having four sons, one daughter, four grandsons, and two granddaughters, I couldn’t be more delighted for young people starting families.
Empowering women
This legislation should also empower women who have traditionally shouldered all the childbearing, childcare, and domestic responsibilities. When dads share domestic and child care responsibilities, it is very empowering for women – and children benefit. In a country where men have been separated from their families through circumstances and very few even have their names on the registration of their children’s births, this legislation allows space for fathers to meaningfully connect.
Adoption leave is a new concept
Adoption leave is also such a relief for those who are considering taking this step and an encouragement for others to do the same – too many children grow up on the outside or periphery of a family and it is unfair – heartbreaking.
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Date published: 23/04/2019
Written by: Cheryllyn Dudley
Article source: JOY! Magazine
