A big change is coming for parents who don’t pay child maintenance in South Africa. If you’re skipping maintenance payments, the government is watching — and now your credit score could take a serious knock.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJCD) is rolling out a new system called MOLD (Maintenance Online Listing of Defaulters). This system will blacklist anyone who doesn’t pay child support. That means credit bureaus will mark your profile, making it hard to get loans, credit, and even jobs in some cases.
Let’s break it all down in simple terms.
What Is Child Maintenance?
Child support is money paid by one parent to help raise their child when they no longer live with the other parent. This money helps cover:
School fees
Clothes
Food
Medical care
Transport
In South Africa, it doesn’t matter if you’re married or not — if you’re the parent, you’re responsible for supporting your child.
Learn More: Child Maintenance in South Africa: Busting Myths & Uncovering the Truth!
What Is the New Law All About?
The new law is part of the Maintenance Amendment Act of 2015, but now it’s being fully enforced with tech help from the MOLD system.
Here’s what it does:
Lists people who owe child maintenance on a special online system.
Shares that list with credit bureaus.
If you’re on the list, it will show on your credit report.
The department has partnered with the Social Justice Foundation and the Consumer Profile Bureau to make this happen.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re listed as a child support defaulter:
You may struggle to get loans from banks or stores.
You may be charged high interest rates on credit.
You could lose job opportunities where credit checks are needed.
You might face court action and even jail time for failing to pay.
How Will the MOLD System Work?
The MOLD system is like a digital watchdog. It works together with South African courts and credit bureaus. Here’s a simple version of how it works:
A parent opens a case at the maintenance court if they’re not receiving payments.
The court gives a maintenance order (a legal demand to pay).
If the parent still doesn’t pay, the court will report that person to the MOLD system.
MOLD sends the defaulter’s details to credit bureaus like TransUnion, Experian, and CPB.
The defaulter’s credit profile is marked — blacklisted.
Real South African Stats (2020/2021)
Child maintenance is a huge issue in South Africa. Check these real numbers:
77,778 civil maintenance cases were opened in just one year.
The provinces with the most cases were:
Gauteng – 14,380
Limpopo – 11,553
Western Cape – 11,182
There were also 4,169 criminal maintenance cases.
Western Cape had the most – 1,121
That’s thousands of children depending on money they’re not getting.
What If You’re Unemployed or Struggling to Pay?
The law does allow for a few things if you’re in trouble:
You can go to court and explain your situation.
Show proof of unemployment or low income.
The court might reduce the amount or give you time to pay.
But — you must go to court. Ignoring the maintenance order will still get you blacklisted.
What Does the Government Say?
Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said this system helps stop people from borrowing money they can’t afford while ignoring their kids’ needs. She said it helps:
Protect children’s rights
Prevent people from dodging their responsibilities
Make credit providers think twice before giving loans to defaulters
Kubayi also said the system will be fully automated — so no delays or errors.
Is This Fair?
Many parents feel this law is overdue. Too many people avoid paying maintenance while living flashy lifestyles. Meanwhile, children suffer. This system will make sure:
Every child gets what they deserve.
Parents are held accountable.
The law supports families, not just paperwork.
What Can You Do?
If you’re a parent not receiving maintenance:
Go to your local maintenance court.
Open a case.
Follow up regularly.
Ask about the MOLD system if your ex is not paying.
If you’re a parent paying maintenance:
Always keep proof of payment.
Make payments on time.
If you’re struggling, talk to the court — don’t wait until you’re blacklisted.
Simple Tips for Parents
Use cash send apps or bank transfers so you can keep proof.
Don’t give cash without a receipt.
Keep a record of all court orders and payment slips.
Talk to a legal aid office if you can’t afford a lawyer.
The South African government is serious about child maintenance. If you owe money and think you can get away with it, think again. With the new MOLD system, skipping child support now comes with a big cost — your credit record.
