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of maintenance obligations between spouses also govern enforcement of<br />

maintenance obligations between parent and child. But, in addition,<br />

section 50(2) of <strong>the</strong> Child Act 74 of 1983 provides that anyone who is<br />

legallyliable<strong>to</strong>maintainachildandwhofails<strong>to</strong>dosowhileable<strong>to</strong>doso,<br />

is guilty of a crime (a crime is also called an offence).<br />

4 TERMINATION OF THE DUTY OF SUPPORT<br />

Fur<strong>the</strong>r, you have <strong>to</strong> know when <strong>the</strong> duty of support ends. This issue is<br />

discussed on page 295 of <strong>the</strong> textbook.<br />

5 THE RECIPROCITY OF THE DUTY OF SUPPORT<br />

In <strong>study</strong> unit 8 above we briefly explained that <strong>the</strong> duty of support<br />

between husband and wife is reciprocal, and we also explained what this<br />

means. On pages 295±296 of <strong>the</strong> textbook you will see that <strong>the</strong> same<br />

principle of reciprocity applies in respect of <strong>the</strong> duty of support between<br />

parent and child. Thus, a child must support his or her parents as <strong>the</strong><br />

parents must support <strong>the</strong> child. Similarly, a grandchild must support his or<br />

her grandparents as <strong>the</strong> grandparents must support <strong>the</strong> grandchild. Also<br />

take note of <strong>the</strong> distinction that is drawn between legitimate and extramarital<br />

children and <strong>the</strong> fact that it is unclear whe<strong>the</strong>r an extra-marital<br />

child is obliged <strong>to</strong> support his or her fa<strong>the</strong>r and paternal grandparents.<br />

Next, <strong>the</strong> requirements for <strong>the</strong> existence of a child's duty <strong>to</strong> support his or<br />

her parents and grandparents and <strong>the</strong> scope of <strong>the</strong> duty are explained.<br />

Ensure that you understand <strong>the</strong> discussion.<br />

QUESTIONS<br />

NB Make sure that you can answer <strong>the</strong>se questions properly. They<br />

are designed <strong>to</strong> test your knowledge of <strong>the</strong> <strong>study</strong> material in this<br />

<strong>study</strong> unit.<br />

. Persons who have a duty of support in respect of a child<br />

(1) By virtue of what ground does <strong>the</strong> duty of support exist between<br />

parent and child?<br />

(2) Is <strong>the</strong> duty of support part of parental power? Explain.<br />

(3) Is <strong>the</strong> parental duty of support terminated by <strong>the</strong> death of <strong>the</strong><br />

parent?<br />

(4) Which parent is liable against third parties for debts incurred in<br />

respect of a child's support? Discuss briefly.<br />

(5) Explain with reference <strong>to</strong> case law whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> paternal grandparents<br />

of an extra-marital child has a duty <strong>to</strong> support <strong>the</strong> child.<br />

(6) When are a child's siblings obliged <strong>to</strong> support him or her?<br />

279

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