So set is a mother-to-be on paving the way for her unborn child that she has turned to the Pretoria High Court to ensure the father will not swear, drink or smoke in the presence of the baby.
The baby is due next year, but no date was given to the court.
The mother, a 19-year-old unmarried student from North West, said in papers before court that “to avoid possible litigation in future, the respondent (father-to-be) and I have decided to enter into a settlement agreement regarding our responsibilities”.
The long list of responsibilities agreed to by the parents was made an order of court by Judge Tatu Makgoka.
The father is to pay all expenses for the unborn child.
This includes close to R3 000 a month towards the mom-to-be’s prenatal consultations and paying the gynaecologist in advance for the confinement, as well as R1 500 a month, starting immediately, towards clothing and other necessities for the child.
This amount is to be increased by 10 percent a year until the child has completed his or her education.
The mother, who may not be identified as the case relates to a child, said she was living with the father at his mother’s home, but that should she find she could “no longer bear it”, the father had to “ensure she obtained alternative housing within 48 hours, for which he had to pay”.
Regarding custody of the child, it was agreed the father might have “reasonable access” – stipulated at three hours on a Saturday and three on a Sunday.
But, the mother insisted, he would not be allowed to see the child if he was under the influence of alcohol, and he should not smoke or use crude language in front of the child.
Further, his right to access should not impact on the child’s schooling or religious and cultural activities.
The order also set out which other expenses the father was liable for, and when specified payments should be made. - Pretoria News