Help save my little boys

I am currently in heavy litigation, fighting for custody of my 5-year-old child due to legislation in South Africa that allows any person having an interest in the care, well-being or development of a child to apply to an appropriate court for rights of contact and care, subject to the best interests of the child.

Unfortunately, Section 23 of the Children's Act is unclear as to who can claim contact and care rights, allowing anyone with enough evidence of interest and financial means to make a claim.

My case is the first in South Africa to challenge this law. The Act means that even a stranger, such as an ex-boyfriend, a domestic worker, or a paedophile, can claim contact or visitation rights with a child.

Shortly after becoming a single mom, I met a man and dated him in the final stages of my pregnancy and for a while after my son was born. We broke up when my youngest son was a year old. My ex-boyfriend has no biological connection to my son.

A few months ago, my ex-boyfriend claimed permanent and unrestricted contact, care, and guardianship rights over my son using Section 23 of the Children's Act. After going through the High Court and an appeal process, an interim order was granted in his favour, causing distress to my son and disrupting our family.

As a sole provider and devoted mother, I have exhausted all my resources trying to protect my family and prevent this stranger from having unfettered contact with my child, which is not in his best interests or that of my family. I must now return to the High Court for the final judgment, which comes with further financial implications.

I am asking for help to raise the necessary funds that will allow me to continue this fight and have the law revised to clarify who can claim contact or guardianship rights through the courts. This will not only protect my own child, but also other families in South Africa who may face a similar situation.

Thank you for reading my story, and if you are unable to donate, please share it as widely as possible.

Thank you for your support.

Hannah