Zim GBC News | Its A Bizzare World
JOHANNESBURG – In a revelation that has sent shockwaves across social media, South African authorities have confirmed that financially struggling individuals possess a powerful legal tool to demand maintenance from their wealthier siblings.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) clarified on Sunday that the country’s Maintenance Act extends far beyond parental responsibilities, allowing blood relatives to sue each other for financial support.
Legal expert Lucia Bugana explained that while the provision is not new, it has remained largely unknown to the public for years.
The confirmation, which came into effect on March 1, 2026, stipulates that maintenance can cover basic needs including food, accommodation, clothing, and medical expenses. However, the process is not automatic and requires strict proof.
What The Law Requires
Speaking to eNCA, legal expert Lucia Bugana detailed the requirements for lodging such a claim. She emphasized that the law applies to siblings of any age, regardless of who is older.
“You need to show that you are in need and cannot sustain yourself and would suffer without the maintenance,” Bugana said.
She added that the applicant must provide concrete evidence of the sibling’s financial capability.
“You need to prove that the sibling can actually afford to pay. The court will then assess how much the sibling should fork out each month.”
Despite the legal provision, Bugana noted that sibling maintenance cases are “extremely uncommon” in South Africa, largely due to the existence of social grants from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
“The maintenance would only apply to people who do not qualify for the SASSA grant,” she confirmed.
Individuals wishing to pursue a claim must bring proof of identity, income, and monthly expenses to their local Maintenance Court, where a magistrate will balance the applicant’s need against the sibling’s affordability.
Social Media Erupts
The announcement sparked a firestorm of reactions online, with South Africans flooding comment sections with a mix of humor, threats, and confusion.
Lulu de Kock perfectly captured the mood, posting:
“Your siblings may be out of your house, but not out of your bank account!”
Tina Gaes highlighted a common family dynamic, stating:
“The problem is my siblings thinks I’m the well-off sibling.”
Busi Mngomezulu Twala questioned the legal threshold, asking:
“‘Well-off’ …I wonder how the act defines ‘well-off’.”
Mammy Makoena Mabotha took a darkly humorous view of the potential consequences:
“Siblings will start unaliving each other.”
Musa Justo Ngubane pointed out that for many, the practice is already a reality, simply under a different name:
“Nothing new to most of us, others call it ‘Black tax’.”
Sarah-Lee Molefe warned her siblings in isiZulu:
“And they think I’m the well-off sibling. Tjoo ba ska leka, tla ba Rosemary on them.” (They can try, I will become Rosemary on them.)
Rendani Netshirungulu worried about large families:
“Imagine the siblings from your dad all come and claim maintenance, 11 of them yooh.”
Kabelo Langa Nemaunzeni predicted family secrets would come out:
“DNA will be done and to find that our parents were busy.”
However, Anna-Marie Van Noordwyk offered a contrasting perspective:
“Really we need to get away from the mindset that the govt and others need to take care of us. I know things are tough but take care of yourself as good as you can.”
For vulnerable individuals with no other support systems, the measure offers a potential lifeline.
Authorities advise anyone considering a claim to seek guidance from a maintenance prosecutor or a legal aid clinic before filing papers.
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