How does the mother feel about this? It's typical of medical aids to make life difficult instead of just allowing you to add her. Maybe speak to the Medical Aid ombudsman rather than going to these lengths?

With all due respect, it is not your child. If you really cared you would pay for the mother to be on a medical aid and then add the child to the mother's scheme. By looking after the mothers well being you look after the childs. You might think your intentions are honorouble, but by bypassing the mother you are making th insinuation that because you have more money you are better equiped to look after the child. So like I said, pay for the mom and child and do it with no other motivation.

I am a lawyer, and work in the Children's Court quite often. In terms of the Childrens Act (Act 38 of 2005) you can only be appointed as a guardian of a child by the High Court. So the only way would be to get a lawyer to do such an application, although I can't see that the Court will grant guardianship to you, since the biological parent is still alive and able to maintain the child. A High Court application can also be very costly, even if it is unopposed.

Another option might be to adopt the child, the mother will have to give permission for that, as well as the biological father of the child, if he is still alive.

I think the suggestion made by 'Allo Allo' to get a medical aid for the mother and register the child as a beneficiary will be much better. Although i don't agree with the tone of the comment - (i think what you want to do is commendable and you really care about this child)- i think you also have to think about the psycological impact on both the mother and child. If i was the mother of a child that my boss wants to put on a medical aid, i wouldv'e felt like a failure, feeling that people think i don't take proper care of my child. The child will obviously also get older - and might possibly reach a stage where he/she will either resent his/her mother for not having a medical aid herself eg., or feel guilty that his/her mother doesn't have the same medical care.

Do NOT, repeat, NOT let your heart rule your head. This sort of thing sounds all good and well, but in reality, will end in heart ache and disaster. We all have different standards and, the twain DO NOT mix at the end of the day. Be careful.

This is an awesome idea. I am shocked at the comments of some of these people. You have a big heart and they are clearly heartless. We need more people like you and your partner in SA to open their hearts towards SA's children. If I could not afford medical aid for my child and someone like yourself offered to put her on their medical aid, I would be nothing but grateful and would certainly hold no resentment against you. I hope you find a way to sort it out! Here's hoping more people with domestic workers children living in their households will follow in your footsteps and give them a headstart in life.