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DIKWANKWETLA
in Parliament!
By Namhla Mniki,
HIV/AIDS Programme |
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In a ground-breaking exercise of children’s participation in
government policy-making, members of Dikwankwetla – Children in
Action made presentations to members of Parliament in August. The
event was the first public hearings on the Children’s Bill, which is
aimed at comprehensively addressing the needs of South African
children.
Dikwankwetla is a group of 12 children who spent months learning
about the Children’s Bill to be able to tell members of the
Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Social Development and other
duty-bearers what they liked and did not like about the Bill. The
children related their experiences in an amazing display of bravery,
asking that concrete measures be put in place to improve the lives
of all children in South Africa.
They started their presentation by commenting on a range of
socio-economic and political rights that they wanted to be included
in the Children’s Bill. One of them – Nkosi - stated, “I believe
that we are free because we have rights – good rights!”
They also spoke about the need to protect children from abuse and
neglect. Rebecca explained, “We know children who are beaten with
broomsticks when they do not finish all the jobs they have… We do
not think that this is right… We think that it is abuse…” They
recommended increased awareness about child abuse, that abused
children have access to counselling, and that child abuse
perpetrators are removed from their homes and jailed.
Another child, Rebza, raised concerns about parents who neglect
their children. She explained that she is taking care of her younger
siblings with the help of her grandmother as a result of her
mother’s neglect. “This affects me mentally. I cannot cope with my
school, and I don’t have enough time to rest.”
Other issues that Dikwankwetla raised included access to food,
shelter and education. Kurt, in closing, stated, “we know that when
it comes to children, you are not just members of Parliament; you
are also mothers and fathers. We hope that you will act on what we
are saying… because you are the ones who have power to determine the
fate of this nation”.
While members of Parliament were impressed with the children’s
contribution, they seemed amazed that the children were so
articulate. Members of Dikwankwetla were excited by the experience;
however some wondered whether the disbelief that was shown by
members of Parliament suggested that children’s ability to
participate fully in such proceedings were undermined.
Dikwankwetla will take part in next year’s further submissions and
hearings on the Children’s Bill, while they continue to talk to
their communities and decision-makers about children’s rights and
the Children’s Bill.
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