A Cape Town man has submitted a petition to National Council of Provinces chairwoman Thandi Modise that working men should be given 10 days' paternity leave, The Star reported on Monday.

Financial manager Hendri Terblanche, 38, from Brackenfell submitted the petition on July 3, and approached every member of Parliament urging them to draft a bill for consideration by the National Assembly.

Terblanche's wife Giselle had twins in November. They were born three months prematurely. One spent 139 days in hospital and his twin 79 days, compared to the standard three days.

Mothers who have a caesarean section remain in hospital for up to a week.

Terblanche said the three days allowed for family responsibility leave was not enough in the event of a caesarean delivery; for parents whose babies have been born prematurely or are sick; and any other emergencies.

"Everyone is quick to say fathers are not involved enough with their children, but with only three days' paid family responsibility leave. They have a disadvantage from the start."

The law needed to change to allow fathers to be involved.