Thank you, hon Minister. Hon members, please let us keep our conversations a bit reasonable; we're drowning the speakers. I now call upon the hon B Thomson.
Chairperson, Deputy President, hon members, distinguished guests, children and caregivers in the gallery, this year's International Children's Day theme of the United Nations, UN, is, "All Rights, All Children".
The background to International Children's Day can be traced to the World Conference for the Well-being of Children held in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1925. The first official International Children's Day was celebrated in 1954, upon the recommendation of the UN General Assembly that all countries should observe and institute a Universal Children's Day.
The day was to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity for children and for promoting activities devoted to the ideals and objectives of the declaration of the rights of the child worldwide. The UN Assembly proposed that governments should observe the day on the date each country considers appropriate for itself, and 1 June was popular for most countries of the world.
In South Africa, 1 June coincides with National Child Protection week, which is an annual campaign running from 24 May to 1 June. The campaign was first launched in 1997. Child Protection Week highlights the rights of children and ensures that they are placed as a priority in each department and organisation's agenda.
Therefore, the child protection system should strive to protect children from all forms of abuse, neglect and exploitation through accessible and co- ordinated services, and a response based on a multidisciplinary and intersectoral approach. In 2010, the campaign was launched by President Jacob Zuma on 21 May, together with the launch of the Children's Act under the theme of celebrating the Fifa World Cup legacy for children.
Internationally, children's rights are protected under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Convention reaffirms that because of children's vulnerability, they need special care and protection. It places special emphasis on the primary caring and protective responsibility of the family; the need for legal and other protection of the child before and after birth; and the importance of respect for the cultural values of the child's community and the vital role of international co-operation in securing children's rights.
The following has been achieved. Child survival and development: worldwide deaths of children less than five years old decreased from 12,5 million in 1990 to less than 9 million in 2008. This was achieved through immense efforts to prevent and control disease, enhance food security and provide integrated health services. Advocacy on child protection issues has increased markedly, and UN special representatives have been appointed on key issues such as armed conflict and violence against children. The drive for education has also intensified with an estimated 84% of children of primary school age currently attending school. This has reduced gender gaps in primary school enrolment. Though the above paints a positive picture, Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are well behind other regions on most human development indicators. Their progress on primary health care and education still lags behind and affects progress in attaining the agreed developmental goals.
The ANC supports the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the supporting plan of action. The ANC believes that the convention and the plan of action must work to protect the lives of children, promote the full development of their human potential, and make them aware of their needs, rights and opportunities. The needs of children must be paramount throughout all programmes aimed at meeting basic needs and socioeconomic upliftment.
The ANC believes that the welfare of children is a priority. In this regard, the ANC government must develop, monitor and measure tools that define and deal with child poverty. Within this context, the best interests of the child are paramount, with child-headed households as a priority for protection and care.
In order to assist with abject poverty, provisions such as free health care and immunisation to children under the age of six will be strengthened to benefit the poor. The massification of the registration of children eligible for the child support grant has long been undertaken and has had positive results in dealing with poverty.
The continued development of a comprehensive strategy on early childhood Development must ensure that we strengthen child development centres, and urge communities to understand and deal seriously with the rights of children.
Ake ngicaphune ebhukwini le-Unicef, elicacisa ngesimo somntwana okhandlekile. Likhuluma ngomntwana ohamba indlela ende kakhulu mhlawumbe amakhilomitha amahlanu kuya kwalishumi ngaphambi kokuba afike esikoleni: "Uvuka ekuseni kade elele ecansini eselugugile elihlabayo; ulala emkhukwini obandayo ongenisa umoya nemvula uma lina izulu; uzovuka angafaki lutho esiswini ngoba ikati lilele eziko; aphinde aqale enze imisebenzi yasekhaya; uma esefika esikoleni ufundela ngaphansi kwesihlahla; uhlezi phansi emhlabathini; bayiqoqo elikhulu okwenza ukufunda kungabi lula; ushoki wokubhala kuyenzeka uthisha angabi nawo kanye naye umntwana akanalo ipeni lokubhala nezincwadi kazikho.
Konke lokhu esengikubalulile kungacishe kufaniswe nephupho noma nensumansumane kwabanye abantu. Yizo kanye izinkinga uhulumeni wethu azama ukuhlangabezana nazo. Nakuba singencome, sincincize nokho kuningi osekwenziwe uhulumeni wethu. Kuningi futhi okusadinga ukwenziwa. (Translation of isiZulu paragraphs follows.) [Let me quote from Unicef's book, which clarifies the plight of an overburdened child. It talks about a child who walks a very long distance which could be about five to ten kilometres before reaching school. He or she wakes up in the morning after sleeping on an old prickly grass mat; he or she sleeps in a cold shack which allows in wind and rain if it is raining; he or she will wake up without eating because there is no food; he or she starts the day by doing household chores; upon arriving at school he or she, learns under a tree; he or she sits on the ground, as part of a big group which makes learning difficult; sometimes the teacher does not have chalk for writing and the child does not have a pen for writing and there are no books.
All that which I have mentioned can nearly be likened to a dream or a folk- tale to other people. These are the very problems our government is trying to address.]
With regard to schooling, affordability, disability or social conditions must not deny children access to education. The provision of nutrition programmes to children at primary school level has been extended. These programmes must result in effective utilisation of nutrition schemes and projects. The methods of recovery of outstanding school fees must ensure that no child is denied access to a school on the basis of his or her parent's financial status.
The current safety nets that deal with child poverty, ongoing murders, disappearance, abuse and neglect must be strengthened. In this regard, the improved services that will be provided by the reconfigured family protection units are critical. Orphans and children in distress should ideally be provided for by family members or in their communities, with support from government and other social institutions. In this regard, the community must play a role in protecting children. The shift from curative to preventative measures in the protection of children is a fundamental pillar of ANC policy.
This is the idea that has been practised over the centuries and current challenges within society, which are mainly economically driven, should not change this. The dialectical challenge is that in the African tradition the community takes responsibility, whilst we are aware that individuals in the very same community can pose the greatest threat to children. In order to address this, ANC policy calls for the raising of community awareness on the effects of abuse on children and the services available to assist in their protection.
The ANC government will continue to ensure that the necessary measures are taken so that children with disabilities have access to education facilities. At the same time, children with disabilities in sheltered projects must have meaningful socioeconomic opportunities so that they can be both socially and economically productive within the working environment.
The ANC's 52nd National Conference called for a greater focus on the rights of children, but noted the unacceptable levels of child poverty and abuse. The conference noted:
At the same time we need to address the challenges of crime, particularly unique features such as random violence, disrespect for human life, as well as woman and child abuse. These are in part a consequence of social conditions, gender stereotypes and negative value systems such as greed.
Violence is a reality for millions of children around the world, affecting girls and boys of all ages, from all walks of life and countries across the world. In every part of their lives, their homes, families, schools, institutions, workplaces and communities, children may be beaten, sexually assaulted, tortured and even killed. The perpetrators of this violence are often the very individuals who are responsible for protecting children, for example, parents, guardians, teachers, employers and the police. Violence is a global phenomenon of huge proportions, violating every child's right to a safe and healthy environment.
Sengikhuluma nani bantwana abahleli phezulu, nakuba siwavuma, futhi siyawahlonipha amalungelo enu, nani siyaniqwashisa ukuthi yazini futhi niqonde ukuthi nani ninomthwalo osemahlombe enu wokuzinakekela loko kuzinakekela nikuhlanganise namalungelo enu. Nani ninomthwalo wokuhlonipha ngendlela yobuntu ninodwana. Njengoba ninamalungelo okuthi niphephiswe kuko konke ukuhlukumezwa nani futhi ninomthwalo wokuqaphela ukuthi ikakhulukazi ezikoleni njengoba sike sibone kwenzeka, ningahlukumezi abanye abantwana noma abanye ozakweni. (Translation of isiZulu paragraph follows.)
[I'm now talking to you children who are sitting up there. Although we acknowledge and respect your rights, we are also making you aware that you must know and understand that you also have a responsibility upon your shoulders of looking after yourselves and that looking after yourselves should go hand in hand with your rights. You also have a responsibility to respect in a human way amongst yourselves. As you have rights to be safe from all types of abuse, you also have a responsibility to make sure that you do not abuse other children or your counterparts, especially at schools as we sometimes see happening.]
In South Africa, numerous cases and incidents involving the abuse, mistreatment, neglect and abandonment of children are reported. Violence meted out against children and child rape cases are still very high in South Africa. According to a study by Women and Men against Child Abuse, 45 cases of child violence were reported within 10 days in selected locations in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. The study also revealed that 90% of rape cases go unreported, thus indicating a high number of children that are at risk. Ngiyabonga Sihlalo. [Thank you, Chairperson.] [Time expired.] [Applause.]
Sir, may I rise on a point of order?
Is that a point of order?
Yes, please! I just wanted to explain to my colleagues that in the absence of the President, Deputy President Motlanthe is the Acting President. I am sure some people were a bit startled when he stood up because he is an Acting President. He is the Head of State in the absence of the President. It is correct that he should be addressed as such. [Applause.]
House Chairperson, hon Acting President, and members, today, as we are observing International Children's Day, I am calling on the government to do more to protect the children of South Africa.
Every day we hear how the most vulnerable of our society, our children, are abused and neglected. Just last week, the television programme Carte Blanche revealed some shocking footage about the plight of babies and small children who are traded as commodities by unscrupulous and heartless adults who use the them to elicit sympathy from motorists while standing on street corners begging.
Inhliziyo yami iba buhlungu uma ngibona lento. [My heart aches when I see such things.]
The investigation by Elsabe Coetzee of Siphumelele Children's Home for abandoned and orphaned children in Johannesburg, revealed the "rent a baby" scheme, where they were being rented out at R20 per day to professional beggars. Some of the children were doped to keep them passive if they were not already suffering from dehydration and heat exhaustion.
The programme found that one little girl had had her toes burnt off, she was deliberately maimed, so that she would remain passive and not crawl. Some mothers who were returning to Zimbabwe were selling off unwanted babies at about R20 000 to raise cash! Are children commodities to be sold, either for muti or as begging accessories? What depravity or desperation would drive people to do that?
That was a shocking indictment on us as South Africans who pride ourselves on having an outstanding liberal democratic Constitution and on being the leaders in the human rights field in Africa. This is a crime against international law. Helpless children are being sold into servitude. Dare we call it slavery?
Why was it that this brave human rights activist was not able to persuade the authorities to raise the alarm about this shameful practice? Where is our humanity? Where is our ubuntu? And yet we regularly launch our campaigns of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, with much fanfare and many T-shirts and caps. This is a sham. What happens to women and children for the rest of the year?
Let me quote an extract from the United Nations Children's Fund of 1997:
The day will come when nations will be judged neither by their military or economic strength nor by the splendour of their capital cities and public buildings or stadia, but by the well being of their people and by the protection that is afforded to the growing minds and bodies of their children.
Section 28 of our Constitution provides for additional protection, tailor- made for our vulnerable children, amongst other things, protection against abuse and neglect.
Now there is some light at the end of the tunnel because we do have the right legislation in place that can protect our children. The Children's Act is appropriate and empowering, and in harmony with international law and the various international conventions that have been ratified by South Africa. However, an Act is only as strong as its practical implementation.
To quote the well-known authors and practitioners, Hester Bosman-Sadie and Lesley Corrie:
Knowledgeable legal practitioners, social workers, social service professionals, education and health professionals will be required for the many services envisioned in the Act. The political will and the availability of funds will have a great impact on the efficacy of the Act.
Also, from the SA Law Commission:
The African Charter blends children's rights with respect for family and community. Looking at the number of children removed from their families, abandoned or orphaned and poverty, drug and alcohol abuse that tears families apart, legislation is no more than the end of the beginning of the war against harm to children.
South Africa has a sound legal framework. The only problem is the implementation.
Let us reflect on what we, as leaders in our communities, as mothers, fathers, gogos [grandmothers] and, yes, grandfathers, are doing to stop the abuse of children and to make sure that the laws are implemented, that the funds are made available. Do we have the political will to make a change, and to put the money where our mouths are? Bills and their implementation should be properly costed. We need closer co- operation between the police, social workers, magistrate's courts, community workers and the general public. Special training, skills and counselling need to be given to the police to help prepare them to deal better with the problems they encounter.
The old saying that it takes a village to raise a child must become a reality. We must not become silent partners of this disease of child abuse and neglect. Let us become proud, caring South African legislators. [Applause.]
Chairperson and hon members, do the children of our country know that today is International Children's Day? I doubt it. I believe that this sitting should have occurred in the morning. If that had happened, all the schools could have received the broadcast and the learners would have had firsthand information about International Children's Day.
In Sawubona, the SAA in-flight magazine of May 2010, there is an interview with Mr Miyere Miyandazi, a Maasai warrior from Kenya, who started his walk from Kenya to South Africa in August 2004. He said his work involved restoring the respect and dignity that children deserve, and I quote:
We have done a lot of damage to these kids for so many years, but are children not our future? What kind of a society turns away from its own future?
Cope believes that after we have made our speeches everything will be as it was the day before, last week, last month and last year. Millions of children in South Africa will continue to be abused emotionally, physically, psychologically and sexually. Young girls will continue to be raped and be threatened with death to keep them quiet. Many will fall pregnant while still at school. The number of vulnerable children, orphans, and child-headed households will continue to increase. Thousands of young children will be exposed to drugs and alcohol, become drug smugglers and addicted to drugs and alcohol.
The Maasai from Kenya further said, and I quote:
Despite the hardships, the abuse, the misunderstandings, the children are worldly-wise beyond our own experience, able to survive better than any of us without access to money or support. They know the ins and outs of the city, where to find shelter and food, whom to trust and whom to stay away from.
After we finish speaking here today, millions of children in our country will still receive an inferior education. Very few learners will take up science and mathematics. The vocabulary deficit in respect of mother tongue and English will remain the single biggest hurdle in education. Computer education will also remain out of reach and very few children will have access to the internet.
While it is correct that we should celebrate childhood and make today a memorable day for children, we should also take a hard look at the balance sheet. Nationally and globally, each year should see an advance in the rights of children.
In Africa, particularly in our country, the scale of human suffering caused by HIV and Aids is staggering and children bear the brunt of the scourge. Today we have many orphans and child-headed households and our children do not know how to be children. Their role as children has been overtaken by parenting roles. As a result, our children experience a very harsh existence.
Each year on 20 November Universal Children's Day takes place. The United Nations General Assembly first proclaimed this day in 1954. We can use 1 June and 20 November to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children; and secondly to initiate action to benefit and promote the welfare of our children, as well as children around the world. Every Children's Day must be seen as a symbol of worldwide fraternity, understanding and as an opportunity to promote the welfare of children.
Cope appreciates that each year we will have an opportunity to talk about children. However, if we are only going to be paying lip service, we will neglect our constitutional duty. South Africa as the host country for the 2010 Fifa World Cup is lagging behind in criminalising, investigating and prosecuting child traffickers.
On behalf of Cope, I trust that next year action will take precedence over words. Our children are our future and right now, in many ways, we are not doing enough for them. Please, let us change our attitude and show more commitment for the welfare of our children. Let us reclaim our ubuntu and use the adage, "Your child is my child and my child is your child", with much conviction and pride.
Therefore, it is our responsibility as a host country that has signed and ratified the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, to provide measures to protect, assist and educate potential victims and the general public. The World Cup is starting in 10 days. Can we say we have made great strides in providing the above measures?
This day, each year, must be an important day in the school calendar. Last year, Chinese president, Hu Jintao visited two primary schools in Beijing on the eve of International Children's Day as children get a day's holiday on 1 June. He joined the children in language classes, games and kite painting, and wished them a healthy and bright future. At another school, he happily joined several other students in finishing a mosaic map of China, using pieces of egg shell. Let all South African parliamentarians follow suit.
The children of Gaza are suffering the physical effects of violence and relentless war is destroying the mental health of children. As the Israeli blockade continues, the children suffer acutely. It was during the 1925 World Conference for the Well-being of Children, held in Geneva, where 1 June was proclaimed International Children's Day.
Lastly, Cope would like to applaud the way Bafana Bafana played last night and wish them success in the World Cup. South Africans, the World Cup is here. Feel it! [Time expired.] [Applause.]
Hon Chairperson, today the world community join hands in observing International Children's Day, amongst other things, to renew our commitment to improving the lives of our children around the world.
Each year, the significance of the celebration of International Children's Day lies in the fact that we examine how far we have come to better the lives of our children. This also gives us an opportunity to espouse a fresh vigour in the level of engagement so that we continue to prioritise issues which are affecting our children and continue to strive to find ways of improving their standards of living. We should also strive to improve the lives of children by seeking innovative solutions to eradicate poverty.
As we celebrate International Children's Day, it is of the utmost importance that we look very critically at our progress in promoting children's rights in this country. While it is important to co-operate and comply with international agreements, we dare not forget that our most important responsibility lies in ensuring that South African children's rights are protected at all costs.
In terms of our Constitution, there is a huge responsibility to put in place systems and to take positive action to ensure that all the rights entrenched in our Constitution do not only remain on paper but are implemented; and above all that our children should enjoy their rights.
The link between education and public health is strong. According to the Global Campaign for Education, if all children received a complete primary education, as many as 700 000 cases of HIV could be prevented each year. According to recent studies, Aids kills over two million people per year, or about one person every 15 seconds worldwide.
This death toll shockingly includes lots of children who are often infected with HIV during pregnancy or through breastfeeding. The toll is worst in Africa where million of parents have died leaving children as orphans. It is very sad that HIV and Aids deprive children of their parents.
Recent estimates put the figure of orphans in Africa in the range of 13 million to 15 million children. If children are left orphaned and are not given the care and education enjoyed by those whose parents remain uninfected, there will be an increasing inequality amongst the next generation of adults.
One of the most unfortunate responses to death in poor households is removing children from school, often because school requirements are unaffordable for the families. It is hard to overemphasise the trauma and hardship that children, who are affected by HIV and Aids, are forced to bear. The epidemic does not only cause children to lose their parents and guardians but sometimes their childhood as well.
The Inkatha Freedom Party is of the view that the South African government should expedite means to strengthen and develop community structures which can assist in providing care and protection for children from discrimination, exploitation and other physical and emotional harm.
It is extremely important that girl children have access to education. I'm saying this, very mindful of the fact that the majority of our children, especially in rural areas, are still taught under trees. These are just some of the obstacles that prevent our children from getting access to quality education.
It is important to note that women with some formal education are more likely to seek medical care to ensure that their children are immunised and will be better informed about their children's nutritional requirements. As a result, their infants and children have higher survival rates and tend to be healthier and better nourished.
The Inkatha Freedom Party is extremely concerned about the recent deaths of 17 babies in our public hospitals almost on the eve of International Children's Day and this is testimony to our day-to-day outcry that our public health facilities are not equipped to provide proper health care for all, especially the most vulnerable of our society.
The IFP calls on the Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities, in conjunction with other relevant clusters, to put measures in place to reduce the risk of child-trafficking during the Fifa sports extravaganza.
I wish to conclude by quoting Anne Landers when she said, and I quote:
In the final analysis, it is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.
I thank you. [Applause.]
Chairperson, I greet all the members of the House, visitors in the gallery, the Deputy President in his absence, the Chief Whip and the two Ministers that are here.
Chairperson, I am not going to speak to the background of International Children's Day because the Minister and the Chairperson spoke very ably to that background.
To me, this is a very important day. It is normally celebrated with discussions and activities related to the well being of children, as we are doing now in this debate. We are looking at child survival; a phenomenon that not only affects the children within South Africa, but globally. It covers a number of issues as alluded to by speakers before me.
The Constitution of our country has enshrined within the Bill of Rights the freedom and security of persons. This right is violated when a child is exposed to violence such as rape, gun violence or domestic violence, to name but a few.
The goal of child protection is to promote and fulfil children's rights to protection from abuse, negligence, exploitation and violence as expressed in our national laws and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and other human rights - humanitarian treaties and conventions to which South Africa is a signatory.
The Chairperson alluded to Child Protection Week, but I would like to speak to it because my speech is based mainly on Child Protection Week.
On 21 May 2010, President Jacob Zuma launched Child Protection Week, including the Children's Act. Our President characterised Child Protection Week as a community's commitment to and participation in caring for our children during the World Cup and beyond.
This is a clarion call to go back to the basics which we, as the ANC, are always calling for in building a caring society. The spirit of ubuntu reminds me of a saying that "It takes a village to raise a child, your child is my child".
At this launch, the President said that it would remind parents and caregivers of their responsibility to protect children during the World Cup, given challenges such as child trafficking, which unfortunately sometimes become associated with huge events such as the World Cup.
The aim of this campaign, introduced by the government, is to raise awareness; to educate; to mobilise communities to put children first; and to see that the protection of children begins at home. Our President should be commended for his foresight and being proactive regarding the protection of children. It is commendable that the government is placing children high on its agenda and has prioritised them. Remember, investment in our children today is the best guarantee for equitable and sustainable development tomorrow.
I would like to speak to partnerships, because many speakers who came to the podium spoke to what government should do. I would like to speak about what community members are doing on the ground. In heeding this call, mothers and caregivers within the constituency I come from, the northern area of Port Elizabeth, are very busy within the community to empower, maintain and support children emotionally at both primary and secondary schools.
They also teach parenting skills and address any challenges their children may have at school. Principals and teachers make it very clear to you that they can listen to a child's problem, but they do not have the energy to take it further because of their workload.
These mothers bridge this gap by actually doing counselling at different schools. When community members organise themselves into a collective that takes action, it is important for the government to respond positively with support and resources. It is also wise that the community should be educated on how they could tap into these resources from government.
This group of women - they call themselves "Tahlita Khumi" [Daughter Arise] - work closely with the ANC constituency office in the northern areas. And they know the key challenges facing the teenagers in the community, for example, no maintenance paid, abuse, lack of access to immunisation, no birth certificates and malnutrition.
Without the provision of basic services, health care and access to existing programmes, children's survival is compromised. Therefore, government needs to work in partnership with communities to ensure the effective implementation of the integrated programmes to promote children's survival outcomes and child protection.
Chairperson, recently there has been a focus on child trafficking in the wake of the World Cup. It is of the utmost importance that the community in which the child finds himself or herself is made aware of this scourge because children living in poverty and unemployment are vulnerable to the advances of persons who try to solicit them. Recently, a proactive initiative was facilitated by the ANC parliamentary office in conjunction with these ladies and community members in the northern areas of Port Elizabeth.
This initiative was meant to ensure the protection of children; it was called, "Tips for parents by parents", and included going back to the basics. This was in connection with the trafficking of children. Tips that came up were that children should not trust strangers - like I said, going back to the basics - or accept anything from strangers; parents should monitor children who are allowed access to MxIT or facebook; and children should know their contact details as well as parents' details and other important numbers like the police's.
Quite a number of role-players, including social workers from the Department of Social Development, churches and NGOs have programmes for children during the period of the World Cup within the northern areas, but a requirement was made that those having programmes should get together, pool their resources and have one extensive programme.
Parental involvement in the protection of children is very important. Children as a whole require age appropriate supervision and care to be protected as far as possible from harm or injury. Therefore, parents and caregivers should be equipped with the requisite skills.
During the festive season and holiday periods, children without supervision or with limited supervision are prone to injury, exposed to situations likely to leave them unprotected. In the case of the World Cup, children of school-going age will be at home for an extended period. Therefore, I am making an appeal that certain measures should be put in place to ensure the protection of children.
Chairperson, government has signed and ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities, has an integral role in fulfilling the rights outlined in the convention as well as imperatives outlined in the Constitution.
To this end, government departments, as duty bearers have an obligation to fulfil the rights of children. While all departments have a role to play in achieving child survival, I will highlight two departments because there will be other speakers from the different departments.
The Department of Social Development provides children with access to social services and social security. As previously stated, NGOs play an integral role in the provision of these services, hence it is imperative that adequate funding is allocated to these NGOs to improve the lives of children.
The Department of Police had the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units. These units, according to a report of the Minister of Police on 18 March 2010, will be reinstated by 1 June 2010, which is today. Such an initiative will directly impact the protection of children and communities they live in, hence oversight in this regard is crucial.
At local government level, there are still many children who do not have access to clean water, sanitation and electricity. The lack of these basic services leads to preventable childhood diseases, which can be fatal as in the case of diarrhoea.
Whilst it is commendable that we commemorate International Children's Day and uphold Child Protection Week, this awareness-raising and clarion call for action must be pursued 365 days a year. Government, as a duty bearer of children's rights, has an obligation to ensure that adequate funding is allocated to programmes aimed at the protection and wellbeing of children.
In conclusion, I would like to end with two quotes and I would like the members to take note of these quotes. The first quote is from one of our previous presidents, O R Tambo:
A country that does not care for its children has no future.
The second quotation is from another former President, Nelson Mandela:
There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.
These quotes embody the idea that children form part of our communities. They are the assets of today and the leaders of tomorrow. I thank you. [Applause.]
Hon Chairperson, as the world celebrates this International Children's Day, it is time for us, as a society, to reflect on both the advances that we have made and the road ahead we have yet to travel in terms of children's rights as enshrined in section 28 of our Constitution. According to our Constitution, children are the only group entitled to second-generation human rights.
Indeed, as a country, we have made some advances in protecting the rights of our children. The extension of the school feeding scheme to high schools is one of many such achievements, because hunger does not stop at primary school level.
The ID adds its voice to the chorus of condemnation of the recent deaths of innocent babies in our state hospitals. The noble attempts by our hon Minister of Health to reduce infant mortality are being undermined by sheer negligence on the part of some health care workers. There can be absolutely no excuse for such negligence and human error.
As we are preparing to polish and shine our cities for the 2010 Fifa World Cup in about 10 days, many of our municipalities are busy with operations to rid our streets of street children. This is in order to make our cities more aesthetically pleasing.
Obviously, these roundups, as they are commonly called, are conducted because street children are seen as an eyesore for our visitors. It is regrettable that instead of dealing with the source of the problem, we hide it from the public eye and pretend it does not exist.
The eThekwini Municipality has been the biggest culprit with these cleanup operations, as was seen during previous international events held in the city. In February this year, a shocking operation was conducted by the Metro Police in Durban.
They forcefully bundled children into police vehicles and used pepper spray to prevent them from escaping. Some children were seen with bloodied faces, screaming from inside police vehicles.
As the ID, our call is for the immediate suspension of these illegal roundups and the abuse of street children. Government must rather focus on strategic interventions that will allow for proper engagement with street children. This should include therapeutic interventions, which will create an environment that is conducive for their sustainable integration into society.
The Child Justice Act also makes provision for corrective action rather than punitive measures. This is, therefore, not a problem to be dealt with by our security services, but rather our social services. These are our children. They are not rubbish to be discarded.
The already rampant sexual abuse of children has recently increased even further and this despicable behaviour continues in our society. While we may have sufficient legislation in place, there are very few proactive and preventative measures being adopted, especially in high-risk areas, where drug and alcohol abuse is prevalent.
This day must not become yet another opportunity for us to just reflect on our failures for only one day. We must continue in our resolve to promote the rights and dignity of all children.
This is the responsibility of our entire society and not just government's alone. Let us build a country where we live by the principle of "Your child is my child", instead of us just talking about it. I thank you. [Applause.]
Chairperson, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and hon members ...
... ka Sepedi re re, bana ke bohwa bja set?haba; bana ke bohwa bja set?haba. Ke a boelet?a, bana ke bohwa bja set?haba. [... in Sepedi we say, children are an inheritance of the nation; children are an inheritance of the nation. I am repeating, children are an inheritance of the nation.]
Now, the surest measure of a successful state is the health and happiness of its children. Whilst we pride ourselves on having attained freedom 16 years ago, we must realise that our country is far from the kind of place where all children are nurtured.
The recent spate of infant deaths at hospitals in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape are only the tip of a statistical iceberg. Despite the advent of democracy, the rate of child mortality is at a shockingly high level. There are few countries in the world where such numbers of children suffer and die from such a wide range of causes. Malnutrition, neglect and violence negatively affect the lives of many South African children. Regular reports of horrific crimes of violence and abuse that are perpetrated against children cannot be denied. We live in a society where children are targets.
Aside from child abuse, there is also a general state of affairs that is detrimental to the development of millions of young children in South Africa. Great numbers of children are born into poverty, often living in informal dwellings whilst receiving inferior education. To make matters worse, thousands upon thousands of these children are orphaned in the wake of the Aids pandemic.
We have to ask ourselves what we have done to address their plight. Indeed, what are we doing to ensure that they do not simply repeat the cycle of poverty and suffering? I say "we", because all of us have to recognise that the injustices perpetrated against the children of South Africa are an attack on the entire structure of democracy.
A democracy that allows such conditions to prevail will have no legitimacy in the eyes of new generations that are still to come. If we look at the young and angry faces that are in the vanguard of widespread community protests, we are already seeing the first wave in a rising tide of frustrated and disenfranchised children.
We can celebrate how much we have done since the fall of apartheid, but we must be extremely careful of hiding our heads in the sand. We need to act now, and act decisively, to improve the quality of life of the majority of people in this country.
Ke a boelet?a: Bana ke bohwa bja set?haba. Ke a leboga. [Legoswi.] [I am repeating: Children are an inheritance of the nation.] [Applause.]
Mnr die Speaker, Jesus Christus het in sy tyd op aarde dit baie duidelik gestel dat Hy en die Vader 'n spesiale plek vir kinders het, tot so 'n mate dat dit beter sou wees vir di wat kinders seermaak om eerder nie gebore te gewees het nie. Dit is 'n baie sterk sentiment en sluit aan by die ander Bybelse opdragte aan die sterkeres om die swakkes, soos bejaardes, vroue in minderwaardige posisies en dan ook kinders, te beskerm.
Hierdie sentimente word ook in ander geloofskodes gevind, en vind wreldwyd neerslag in internasionale en nasionale regstelsels. Daarom is die beskerming van kinders 'n universele beginsel en is ons dankbaar vir dae soos hierdie wat daarop gerig is om die wreld te herinner aan die gebod om kinders lief te h. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Adv A DE W ALBERTS: Mr Speaker, Jesus Christ, in his time on earth, made it very clear that He and the Father have a very special place for children, to such a degree that it would be better for those who hurt children not to have been born at all. This is a very strong sentiment and it corresponds with other commands in the Bible that the strong have to protect the weak, such as the elderly, women in inferior positions as well as children.
These sentiments are also present in other religious codes and are reflected in international and national systems of law. Therefore the protection of children is a universal principle, and we are thankful for days like these that are aimed at reminding the world about the commandment to love children.]
It is unfortunately also part of the human condition that humankind falters and fails many times when it comes to adherence to the moral code that thou shall not bring harm to children. I see this when news reports appear about child abductions, child rapes, murders, physical and mental abuse, and trafficking. This happens everywhere, but especially in South Africa.
As far as the FF Plus is concerned, these actions are not mere crimes, but true manifestations of evil. They are not driven by survival issues, but are part of the many faces of evil. We, as the elected representatives of this country, must find ways to fight this evil.
Hoe sal ons dan aandag gee aan hierdie oorlog teen die bose? [How will we pay attention to this war against evil?]
South Africa has institutions and mechanisms to break this onslaught against our children, but we have to adequately capacitate or recapacitate them. This means the following: Firstly, the Minister must engage with the Minister of Police to recapacitate the SA Police Service with expertise. I say "recapacitate", as South Africa, pre-1994 and until recently, had the best child protection unit in the world. Its head, Anneke Pienaar, was regularly invited by other countries and the United Nations to showcase the unit's skills. Yet, even in those days, they were undercapacitated and had to rely on free handouts from the private sector and free upskilling from lecturers at universities.
Very little expertise remains today, and the rest has been dispersed to stations all over the country, essentially diluting the good forces that must face up to the evil threatening our children. Mistakes of the Mbeki administration must be addressed by reconstituting the Child Protection Unit, separately from the Family Violence Unit, and recapacitating it with the best people.
Tweedens moet ons die beste kandidate as maatskaplike werkers aanstel by wyse van beter salarisse. Baie maatskaplike werkers bedank weens swak salarisse, of brand uit weens die werkslading, of gaan sommer net oorsee.
Daar is ook 'n behoefte aan die daarstelling van ordentlike hulpbronne, soos kospakkies; leefbare, veilige hawens vir kinders en vrouens; asook beter subsidies vir kinderhuise. Intussen wag baie maatskaplike werkers en hofbeamptes vir opleiding in die nuwe Kinderwet, wat net nie gebeur nie.
Minister, as ons nie aan hierdie praktiese sake aandag gee nie, dan gaan ons faal in die beskerming van ons kinders, en dit sal 'n skande wees. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.) [Secondly, we have to appoint the best candidates as social workers by means of better salaries. Many social workers resign because of poor salaries, or burn out as a result of their workload, or just go overseas.
There is also a need to ensure decent resources, such as food parcels; liveable shelters for children and women; and better subsidies for children's homes. Meanwhile many social workers and court officials are waiting for training in the new Children's Act, but this is not happening.
Minister, if we do not give attention to these practical issues, we are going to fail in protecting our children, and that will be a shame.]
I thank you.
Hon Speaker, Ministers and Deputy Ministers hon members, guests in the gallery, ladies and gentlemen, International Children's Day is celebrated on June each year; this year, nine days from the kick-off of the soccer World Cup. International Children's Day is said to have originated in Turkey in 1920 and later in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1925.
Children's Day was coincidentally one of two very important events that took place on June. The first was the World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva; and at the same time the Chinese Consul-General in San Francisco gathered a number of Chinese orphans to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival. Since both these events had the idea of child welfare at their core, June began to be celebrated as International Children's Day.
Section 28 of the Constitution establishes a range of rights that provide additional protection for children beyond the rights that apply to all South Africans. Children are by nature more vulnerable than adults due to their age. Children, therefore, require a set of rights relevant to their specific needs, over and above the constitutional rights they have in common with everyone else.
Primary health care, social support, school feeding schemes, early childhood development and education are among the many programmes that make up the prevention component of the state's plan for giving effect to protection from abuse and neglect.
The goal of child protection is to promote, protect and fulfil children's rights - protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence, as expressed in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, human rights, humanitarian and refugee treaties and conventions, as well as national laws. As a signatory of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, these rights must be protected and upheld in order to ensure the protection and safety of all South African children. Despite our Constitution, which is renowned worldwide, and the legislative overhaul that safeguards children's rights, South Africa still has high levels of violence against women and children. According to the SA Police Service, approximately 50 000 children were victims of violent crimes between 2008 and 2009. The following key issues must be considered if child protection is to be ensured.
South Africa continues to deal with significant numbers of incidents of child abuse and neglect due to a range of reasons. The causes of abuse and neglect are due to myriad reasons and are complex in nature. The added constraints that render children more vulnerable to abuse and neglect are attributed, but not necessarily limited, to gender-based violence; domestic violence; a preponderance of sexual exploitation of children, including increased prevalence of child abuse images; the impact of the HIV and Aids pandemic; drug abuse; economic recession; poverty and high unemployment; all of which may negatively affect stress levels of parents and caregivers, leaving children more vulnerable to be abused and neglected.
It is also important to note that children fall victim to accidents and injuries - for example, poisoning and drowning - if not supervised and cared for appropriately.
Child protection, when understood more holistically, extends beyond a focus on the abuse and neglect of children. If children are not protected, their rights to survival and development are violated. Many children in South Africa continue to die from largely preventable causes of death as the protection mechanisms have either failed them or were not in place.
This failure has a direct bearing on the country's ability to make progress with respect to Millennium Development Goal 4 of reducing child mortality. However, children are also victims of murders, firearm fatalities, motor vehicle accidents and intentional injuries.
Government has prioritised child abuse as a focus area within the criminal justice system. To this end, the President noted at the launch of Child Protection Week that dedicated provincial antihuman-trafficking police co- ordinators and task teams have been established, and that there are competent human trafficking investigators in every organised crime unit.
Regular training workshops are presented to the police, especially to frontline officers working at police stations. Furthermore, the Children's Act makes it a crime to traffic children.
In addition, the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act of 2007, contains provisions which criminalise human trafficking for sexual purposes or for any other purpose. Moreover, the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Bill was tabled before Parliament. The Bill addresses the shortcomings of existing legislative infrastructure on human trafficking. It provides for more extensive domestic legislation to combat and curb this crime. Specifically, it provides for the protection of and assistance to victims of trafficking and the prosecution of persons engaged in trafficking.
According to Missing Children South Africa, there have been more than 1 000 children that have been reported as missing since 1994. The ANC-led government has decided to do its outmost to help these families and the police to get these children safely back home.
The organisation has also linked missing children to the demand for children who are trafficked for cheap labour or for sexual exploitation. Duty bearers of children's rights have a responsibility to ensure that all children's rights are protected and not violated. Section 28 of the Constitution of South Africa outlines a package of socioeconomic rights for children.
The extent to which these international instruments and laws would improve the lives of children across the world is dependent on the extent to which state parties implement them and adopt domestic measures to comply with the relevant obligations. In addition to providing a clear constitutional provision that gives expression to children rights and the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act, South Africa has in turn ratified all of the above treaties. Furthermore, policies, norms and standards, guidelines and programmes have been developed to assist victims of gender- based violence. An example of such programmes is the Victim Empowerment Programme.
The South African Constitution also contains a number of socioeconomic rights that only apply to children. In terms of section 28, every child has the right to basic nutrition, shelter, basic health services and social services. Compared to everyone's socioeconomic rights, these rights are basic in nature. They are also free of internal limitations in terms of progressive realisation. I thank you, Chairperson.
House Chairperson, the ACPD is pleased to see the response to the call to look out for our children during the World Cup. We particularly commend and bring attention to an initiative called "Our Children 2010", which asked, and I quote:
While you are watching the World Cup, who will be watching your children?
A grandmother and her granddaughter got together with the idea of engaging the whole nation in childcare during the World Cup. They are presently doing everything they can to encourage churches and communities to assist parents who will have to work during this period by arranging simple childcare facilities for children in the immediate vicinity, who would otherwise be left alone at home during the extended school holidays.
They were calling for every church, organisation and home from coast to coast to provide what they could to assist in caring for children in their areas, who would not be supervised and would therefore be at risk. Their dream was to have safe spaces for children in every single neighbourhood across South Africa.
As this is a noble dream that should be widely supported, the ACDP urges everyone who can to be part of the initiative to care for the future stars of our nation, who happen to be our children today. Help to plan and organise the month can be acquired by visiting their website, ourchildren2010.com.
Child Protection Week is a campaign to mobilise communities to put children first. In addition to our own children, the Act aims to offer protection for all children in South Africa. Regrettably, this noble sentiment is often forgotten when another lost, crying refugee child who has endured all manner of hardships in their home environment looks to us for help.
Reports say Zimbabwean children without identity papers are being picked up on the streets by the police, and regardless of their age, they are locked up in cells for deportation. This is in contravention of the Children's Act which provides for destitute children to be referred to a social worker and treated like we would our own. Even inside children's homes, there are reports that refugee children are being separated from South Africa's school-going children and, unoccupied, face a boring wait for the Zimbabwean authorities to confirm their status.
We believe that this undermines the rights of the child that we are speaking about. I believe that this Parliament has to do more to ensure that we do not continue debating International Children's Day every year, while no visible improvement in the lives of the children is achieved. We need to do more to eradicate child exploitation, drugs and child trafficking, sexual violence and exposure to violence and pornography.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, hon Gigaba, for his resolve to protect our children from the harmful effects of pornography by fighting for its removal from our streets, TV and Internet. [Applause.] The ACDP supports his noble efforts and hopes that his dedication will be rewarded and that our children will enjoy the protection of adults that they deserve and that their innocence will be promoted and advanced in our community. I thank you. [Applause.]
Chairperson, as we celebrate International Children's Day, it gives us an opportunity as a nation to assess firstly, how we are prioritising the needs of our children and secondly, how we rise to the challenges facing them. You can always measure a nation's worth by the way it responds to and protects its children.
If I told you that there was a country where nearly one out of every 10 children would die before their fifth birthday, you would be as horrified as I was and find it as completely unacceptable as I did. That is a sickening 138 children dying per day! How many countries can claim that 20 000 babies are stillborn every year? That is 55 per day. A further 22 000 die before they reach their first birthday; that's 60 babies per day. And a further 33 000 babies die before they reach the age of five, that's 23 babies per day.
You would be forgiven if you thought I was reading war time statistics. Unfortunately, hon members, I am not. These are our very own statistics and our very own children. We are not at war with a foreign country, but at war with our own children. To put it mildly, it is totally unacceptable, that a country with the available resources that we have, fails year after year to reduce the infant and child mortality rates.
I found the audacity of the Minister of Science and Technology quite incomprehensible when she stood here and, in her reply to a statement earlier today, said that one of the top priorities for this ANC government was health care. It is not.
I shudder to think what nonpriority is, and the kind of service delivery you are giving to other departments, if this is what you give to health care as a top priority! [Interjections.]
The statistics are reason enough for us to hang our heads in shame. We are about to host the most successful football tournament the world has ever seen, yet we cannot reduce the number of children dying unnecessarily. Why is that happening?
South Africa signed the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. Goal Number 4 is to reduce the child mortality rate by two thirds by 2015. Some countries such as Brazil, Mexico and Egypt, had a similar mortality rate to ours in 1990. Now they are on track to meet this goal and have halved their under-five-years mortality rate. That was according to a recent Unicef report.
Conversely, South Africa is among a handful of countries, 12 to be precise, where the child mortality rate has actually increased since 1990. In order for us to achieve our millennium goal in 2015, we would have to achieve an average annual rate of reduction of 14% in infant mortality.
The blame for the rising number of deaths of babies lies with our inadequate health system. If a pregnant mother cannot go to a clinic and expect a nurse to attend to her immediately and to have her quickly transferred to hospital, if she needs it, then our health system is simply not working. A woman in a predominantly rural province, such as the Eastern Cape, has a much higher rate of not having any skilled attendance during birth. The DA is determined to reverse this trend in provinces where we govern.
We will firstly focus on making our hospitals work effectively. [Interjections.] Yes, where we govern. [Interjections.] Our report presented at the Fourth South African HIV/Aids Conference in Durban revealed that between 50% and 60% of all the national Health Department's employees are political appointees, with no management training.
Firstly, the DA will ensure that every person in the health system is appointed on the basis of their skills and experience and not their connections to the ANC, and that they have formal contracts and performance requirements. Secondly, we will find more doctors and nurses so that all our hospitals and clinics can be properly staffed and that a mother can receive attention when she needs it.
We cannot allow the situation where mothers that are in need of immediate medical attention are not afforded such care, due to failed policies by the ANC government; for example, the closing down of nursing colleges without thinking through the consequences of their actions.
The number of doctors graduating from our universities has not increased for over a decade. We will allow private medical schools to be established, so that we can train more doctors. We will remove the barriers that stop doctors and nurses who have trained in other countries from working here.
Another step which was a great success, particularly in the Western Cape, where the DA is governing, was the implementation of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission. Research indicated that currently infant mortality in the Western Cape was approaching levels seen before the advent of the HIV epidemic. This has been achieved through the provision of two antiretroviral drugs to the mother and baby during pregnancy and at delivery of the baby.
The current levels of transmission in the Western Cape are at around 4%, which is the lowest in the country and is expected to decrease further with the triple antiretroviral therapy interventions that we have started as from 1 April. [Interjections.] Are you saying since when? Since we were the first province to roll out anti-retrovirals back in 1999, when we started governing the Western Cape! You as the national ANC tried to prevent us from doing it. [Interjections.]
The DA is determined to reduce infant and child mortality rates; we see it as a gender and human rights issue. In 2010, we should be celebrating our achievements in reducing child deaths, not mourning the ever-increasing baby deaths that we have recently witnessed at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital - 180 deaths. It is long overdue that child mortality is placed at the top of the political agenda.
As Members of Parliament, we should be ashamed that so many of our children are dying unnecessarily. If we had the political will, we could do something about this disgrace. I thank you. [Applause.]
Chairperson, we often snub international instruments like the universal Declaration of the Rights of the Child, as being Western and irrelevant to Africa. Contempt prior to investigation has never failed to keep man in ignorance, because often the contents of such instruments have embedded in them what we all wish our children to have.
Who amongst us doesn't want any child to have quality health care, access to clean water, nutritional food, education, protection from sexual abuse and abduction? If we all want these things for our children and for any child, then we must display a political willingness to ensure the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNCRC, not only in South Africa but on the rest of the continent. We, as adults and as government, should desist from treating children as less than human. We adults often do to children what you would not do to an adult person. We find the use of violence acceptable when directed at children, yet we would lay charges of assault, crimen injuria, etc, if the same act of violence were to be directed at an adult.
Children are not second-class citizens and we should not treat them as such, because if we do, tomorrow we'll have adults and leaders who see themselves as second-class citizens, who lack the confidence to take this nation forward and to address longstanding issues. Former President Nelson Mandela rightly echoed that, and I quote:
There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.
When we continue to fail to protect our children from violence, drug abuse, malnutrition, etc, whatever else we claim as victory, is void and has no value at all. I thank you. [Applause.]
House Chairperson, hon Minister, hon members of this august House, and our guests ...
... avuxeni. [Good day.]
HON MEMBERS: Ahe! [Hallo!]
Minjhani? [How are you?] [Interjections.]
This debate takes me back to the years of my childhood. I had just finished the Standard 6 exams and had travelled to central western Jabavu to join my daddy as my next school was Morris Isaacson High. He took me to town with him. I felt so good. We got to his place of work where there were a lot of papers on which was written, "SA Congress of Trade Unions", Sactu. This held no fascination for me.
A white woman came with a packet of sweets and she said:
Hi, Sheila. Call me Mom Ruth.
My mother confirmed that this was Mom Ruth First, wife of Comrade Joe Slovo. Baba Slovo also greeted me. Mom Ruth brought me tea and very nice scones. She asked me about my school, Fofoza Primary School in Tzaneen, and I told her about my teachers, their lessons and my examinations.
At the end of the day she said, "Mark, your child is a blue stocking. I am going to require that she comes here every Saturday for Maths lessons."
Sheila Weinberg, who was at Wits University, became my teacher. [Applause.] I was so happy. I became so knowledgeable, and fell in love with figures - a love that I still cherish today. This love was instilled in me by the liberation movement in the person of Mom Ruth First. My father left to go into exile. One Saturday, as I came from my lessons, a police van stopped next to me. They bundled me into the police van where there were many women and young children like me. We were taken to a police cell, which was overcrowded. We slept without water or food. In the morning, the door opened and we were told to appear before a magistrate. Our sins were read out.
My name, Sheila Shope, was called. I went and stood near the magistrate. I was told that my sin was that I had no fixed abode in Johannesburg. The magistrate asked me what my name was and I said "Sheila Shope". He proceeded to ask where I stayed. I told him that I stayed at 600 CWJ. I was discharged, and Aunt Sophie Mashele who stayed at 601 came to fetch me.
The next thing that happened was that the house in central western Jabavu was taken from us, which left George, Ntombi and me without a home. Many times the special branch police came to my mother's house. They searched and took our photo albums, including my certificates, and never returned them.
In 1972, my younger brother, Stepford George Shope, who was studying at Fort Hare, was beaten up by the police and sustained head injuries. The police followed him the following year to the University of the North where he was doing his second year BSC in Maths and Physics, and they killed him. The damage caused by apartheid prior to 1994 is severe. The pain is still in my heart. A lot of South African children's rights were violated left, right and centre. All we can afford to do is forgive and work hard to make sure that no child in our land, black and white, irrespective of religion or belief, must suffer what we have suffered through the apartheid era. But we will not forget.
Thanks to God that the ANC took over the government in 1994. As soon as they took over the government, the ANC started applying the established ANC policy position on children. We support the International Convention on the Rights of the Child and the supporting plan of action.
I also want to thank all parties that were in this House from 1994 to date that, together, we have passed many pieces of legislation. We must congratulate ourselves. [Applause.] We must see reason in the call of the President: "Together we can do more." We made these laws together.
I heard the hon member from the DA talking about his success in the Western Cape. I just want to offer free education. I have realised that there is a lot of ignorance in this House. If you are a Member of Parliament in the NA, you are not a local councillor.
You are responsible for every inch of this country. You are responsible for every failure in every corner of the Republic of South Africa. [Applause.] South Africa is one unitary state. I want you to know that, as a House, what we should do is engage government together and question when the state's next report on the Convention on the Rights of the Child is due.
We must also ask the Minister and government officials going to Geneva for a presentation of the report to the state, the committee or the House. This we have got to do together. It does not help us to sit here slinging mud at one another and passing motions of no confidence which will end up hurting all of us.
It is in our togetherness that we will be strong, that we are going to hold government to account. I would like to ask the Minister, who is responsible for the rights of children, what the plans are for this department in making sure that the rights of children are observed by all departments in the Republic of South Africa. [Applause.]
In conclusion, I would like to declare in this House that I love the ANC because it took from me all the pain that I had gone through as a child. I love the ANC. I honestly do. Thank you. [Applause.]
Voorsitter, die DA is ernstig ten opsigte van kinderregte in ons land, en die afwesigheid van die agb President en die meeste van sy agb kabinetslede in die Huis is beslis 'n klap in die gesig van ons families en kinders, en so ook, ten opsigte van die internasionale gemeenskap. Die ANC is beslis nie ernstig oor kinders nie.
Ek is verder bekommerd dat die Huis altyd maar so lyk wanneer ons oor kinders, en veral ook oor vroue, praat. Ek hoop dat die ANC die erns van die DA hoor. Dit herinner my ook verder aan die Wes-Kaap toe ek in 2007 die ANC gewaarsku het dat hulle in 2009 die Wes-Kaap nie weer gaan regeer nie. En dit het gebeur. En ek vertrou dat u die waarskuwing hoor. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Mrs P C DUNCAN: Chairperson, the DA is serious about the rights of children in our country, and the absence of the hon President and most of his hon Cabinet members in this House is definitely a slap in the face of our families and children, and this is also the case in respect of the international community. The ANC is definitely not serious about children.
Furthermore, I am concerned that the House always looks like this when we talk about our children, and about women in particular. I hope the ANC is listening to the earnestness of the DA. Besides, it also reminds me of the Western Cape, when I warned the ANC in 2007 that they will not be governing the Western Cape again in 2009. And it happened. And I trust that you are able to hear the warning.]
Today, together with countries around the globe, we commemorate International Children's Day in honour of all our children. I wish to share a poem written by Francis Eileen Africa:
Let the child live, a message to parents
We did not choose you You chose us We did not ask to be in this world You brought us here
We never wanted to feel hurt You are causing us grief We never wanted to be hungry You are starving us
We never wanted to feel the cold You are taking away our shelter We never wanted to feel so lost You are abandoning us
We never wanted to see anger You are showing us hatred We never wanted to feel so lonely You are keeping the distance
We never wanted to leave your side You are isolating us We always just wanted to be loved You are not sharing it with us
Since you chose us Why then all the fuss? All you have to do Is accept your choice and to see it through.
Francis Africa was a health practitioner who served the most vulnerable groups, including children, with great passion, empathy and commitment for 41 years. When seen through her eyes, many others like her, and those of our children, is it not evident that the social constructs of our children, families, communities and society at large - not only in South Africa, but worldwide - have come to haunt us?
The challenge, given the facts and figures in the South African context, is whether we are ready as a nation to vigorously address this major challenge. Our children's future is at stake and the future is currently in the hands of government, civil society, the private sector, the justice system, nonprofit organisations, NGOs and, most of all, parents and families at large.
On behalf of the DA, I therefore appeal to the ANC-led government today, and in particular, to hon President Jacob Zuma, to stop corruption and immediately curb the wasteful and fruitless expenditure of government departments, institutions and organisations. This funding can surely be best utilised to ensure faster delivery on all the rights of our children.
To all parents and families, let us take the responsibility to love, care for, protect and ensure the wellbeing of all our children. [Time expired.] [Applause.]
Chairperson, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, hon members, children of South Africa, comrades and friends, I am singularly honoured and privileged to be given this opportunity to make a contribution to celebrate International Children's Day. Children have a special place in our society and in our hearts, and Parliament has every reason to celebrate this.
We celebrate the fact that more than ever before, access to primary and secondary schooling has almost reached universal enrolment. More children have greater access to free primary healthcare, and more than 8 million children in South Africa receive social assistance transfers.
As we celebrate International Children's Day, we should resolve to accelerate our progress towards the full realisation of the rights of children as envisioned in our Constitution.
Now, after the 1994 elections, South Africa under the visionary leadership of our former President Nelson Mandela committed itself as a country to implement the First Call Principle for Children. In demonstrating its commitment to the cause of children, South Africa has become a signatory to and also ratified international treaties and conventions, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Both make provision for the survival, health, social security, protection and development of our children.
The Children's Act of 2005 as amended, which came into operation on 1 April this year, gives effect to these national and international instruments that bind our country. The protection of children is one of the priorities of our government. The protection of children's rights leads to an improvement in the lives of other sections of our community.
In response government, under the leadership of the ruling party, the ANC, has introduced a range of child benefits, namely the Child Support Grant, the Foster Child Grant and the Care Dependency Grant. In addition, caregivers are being supported with income by way of the old age grant, disability grant and social stress relief. In addition, there are a range of services, including a free primary healthcare service for children less than six years of age, the school nutrition programme, no-fee schools, the Expanded Public Works Programme, EPWP, the early childhood development programmes, community home-based care, the housing and free municipal services - I can go on and on.
As the ANC, the protection of our children is not a cheap political slogan, but a commitment to securing a brighter future for our children and for generations to come.
Hon members, poverty and unemployment have been persistent over a long period in South Africa. It is estimated that 47% of the population could be living below the per capita poverty line of R322 per month. Unemployment rates are generally high, especially for African women and female-headed households.
Poverty impacts on the wellbeing of children and threatens their protection, their rights and their needs. Children's growth, development, welfare and safety depend to a large extent on the ability of their parents or guardians to provide for them.
Poverty is a major cause of child separation and lifting a family out of poverty can make the difference between a child growing up in a loving family environment or growing up frightened and alone. In South Africa, six out of every 10 of our children live in poverty, with children in rural areas more likely to be poor than those in urban areas.
Poor households have less access to essential services, such as water and sanitation and have long distances to travel to health facilities. Children in poor families are less likely to complete their schooling and are more likely to be subjected to crime and violence.
With this in mind, ladies and gentlemen and hon members, the early years of a child's life are regarded as a critical stage of human development.
Children need early stimulation and the early childhood development programme is one of the key priorities of social development and government as a whole. The best way to break the vicious cycle of poverty is to ensure that children from poor households receive at least a complete primary education.
Investment in this programme is an investment in our future. Most ECD facilities are run by welfare organisations, NGOs, community organisations and private providers. Provincial departments of social development provide subsidies to children whose parents cannot afford ECD and who qualify according to a flat rate of subsidisation. Parental involvement is viewed as key to ECD. As part of the EPWP, unemployed parents and caregivers are provided with skills and job creation opportunities.
I am now coming to a very important issue, hon Chairperson, and that is the issue of adoptions. Improving the wellbeing of our children is not only the business of government but of society too. When we, as the ANC, stated that together we can do more, we were not merely babbling clichs and slogans, we were asking South Africans to act in solidarity with each other.
We were particularly asking those of us who have resources to support policies that seek to support the vulnerable. At times we should directly support those who are in need of assistance. We have thousands of children whose lives would be improved beyond measure if those of us that have the resources, and who can, would adopt orphans and vulnerable children.
I take this opportunity to ask South Africans to put a smile on a child's face, provide the space where you can and where they can be nurtured so that they can indeed become our future. You can do that by adopting children in need of care and protection.
So, let's work together to increase the rate of adoptions in our country. Caring for our children is an investment in their lives and ultimately ours as it contributes to a more equitable, caring and stable society. Hon Chairperson, the murder of the late Caleb Booysen of Manenberg at the hands of his mother and her boyfriend shocked the citizens of the Western Cape, especially those living in Manenberg. But what were also shocking were his pictures as he lay dead on the couch in a daily tabloid newspaper. It showed pictures of several parts of his body on three pages.
Now I know that the decision to use gruesome pictures is up to the editors of newspapers, but shouldn't that be weighed up against the respect for the deceased's dignity and the potential trauma of family and friends? Children can be significantly affected by reading newspapers in which gruesome visuals appear - images on the front page are extremely traumatic to children.
Little Caleb received no dignity in death. He received no respect for privacy. His face was exposed as well as the whole of his body. The focus was on his dead body and not on the story or the event, which is poor journalism.
I want to urge the Department of Social Development and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to look into developing a protocol that will protect the dignity and privacy of our children, especially in cases of trauma and gruesome events.
As we undertake this exciting journey with the future leaders of our country, I would like to remind our children that the rights they enjoy come with responsibilities. They have a responsibility to respect their parents and the elders in their communities.
I just want to respond to hon members Walters and Duncan. I want to tell them that healthcare to the poor, especially children, is a priority for this government. We all know that the prevalence of HIV and Aids has a negative impact on the infant and maternal mortality rate.
The Minister has said that in the House and we agreed with him. It is there in the UN for everyone to see. We have a challenge as Members of Parliament to motivate all pregnant women to know their status so that they can go on treatment as soon as possible.
I also want to add, just to remind hon members, that the DA has been in power for one year. So they are building on the good legacy of the former ANC provincial government. Hon member Robinson lamented the fact that the ANC government handds out caps at events, and so on. [Interjections.]
I want to say that it is very important for the government to keep in touch with its citizens. Keep it up, Minister! We have to carry the message of government to the people so that we can all work together as a government and as a society.
Advocacy is very important in getting the priorities of government across and getting the buy-in of your citizen. I understand the negativity of the hon member of Cope and her despondency.
If I look at her speech, it reminds me of Nigerian Chinua Achebe's book that I read when I was a student: Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold. [Applause.] We, as MPs, need to work together so that we can make South Africa a better place to live in. I thank you.
Debate concluded.