Parental Leave Equality Webinar
The Mandela Institute hosted a webinar unpacking the landmark Constitutional Court decision in Van Wyk and Others v Minister of Employment and Labour [2025] ZACC 20 — a judgment that has reshaped South Africa’s parental leave framework and set a powerful precedent for equality, dignity, and inclusion in the workplace. In this session, leading legal scholars explored the implications of the ruling and its impact on employers, employees, and the broader legal landscape.
Key takeaways from the webinar:
- Legal Insight: A deep dive into the Constitutional Court’s reasoning on equality, dignity, and discrimination in parental leave
- Practical Tools: Guidance on interim provisions, recalibrating workplace leave policies, and managing UIF claims
- Forward Thinking: Insights into international best practices and models for legislative reform
- Critical Engagement: Reflection on evolving concepts of parenthood, gender transformation, and the best interests of children
Presenters
Prof. Marthinus van Staden
Associate Professor, School of Law, University of the Witwatersrand A leading expert in labour and constitutional law, Prof. van Staden holds an NRF rating and has published extensively in top academic journals. His work focuses on vulnerable workers, digital-era employment relationships, and the intersection of labour rights with constitutional values. He is co-editor of Landmark Constitutional Cases that Changed South Africa (2023) and regularly contributes expert legal commentary to platforms such as Daily Maverick and Business Live.
Dr. Grey Stopforth
Lecturer, Department of Mercantile Law, University of the Free State Dr. Stopforth specialises in labour law and social protection in the context of technological innovation. His research explores vulnerabilities in the gig economy and emerging challenges for labour protections. He is an active contributor to academic scholarship and a participant in the UFS Learning and Teaching Fellowship (2024–2025) and Emerging Scholar Programme (2025–2026).
Recorded on 28 April 2026.