“…At present there is wide acceptance that both parents have the ability to fulfil both parental roles, that is, that mothering forms a component not only of the mother, but also of the father (Cumes and Lambiase, 1987; Van der Linde vs. Van der Linde, 1996). However, it would appear that South African courts continue to show preference to maternal custody, especially if the children are young and it is found that their interests would best be served if they are placed in the care of the mother (Cronje´and Heaton, 1999;Pretorius, 1997;Robinson, 2000;Van Rensburg, 2001;Van Zyl, 1997).…”