JOHANNESBURG – People who are struggling financially are able to claim maintenance from their well-off siblings.
Legal expert Lucia Bugana said this provision is not new, it has always been part of the maintenance act, but the general public just never took note of it.
While it is common for parents to be expected to maintain the children, the law makes provision for blood siblings to claim from one another.
The National Prosecuting Authority said maintenance system goes beyond just parents and children. It also covers financial support for basic needs such as food, accommodation, clothing, medical expenses among other things.