Gauteng Provincial Legislature convenes annual Sector Parliament for Children, 11 July 2016
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) will on Tuesday, 11th July 2017, convene the Children’s Sector Parliament under the theme ‘Following up on our commitments to the children of Gauteng’. The purpose of the Children’s Sector Parliament is to empower children to participate in legislative processes and to encourage the born free generation to be part of influencing and shaping good governance in the post 21st years of South Africa in democracy. This is reflected in the sub-theme: ‘Commemorating 20 years of democratic constitutionalism and 20 years on the National Council of Provinces (NCOP)’.
The Children Sector Parliament will also provide children with the opportunity of demonstrating their understanding and show their responsibilities on the freedom and rights they have in exercising democracy.
The 2017 Children’s Sector Parliament is scheduled to take place as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 11 July 2017
Time: 10h00
Venue: Vereeniging Banquet Hall, Sedibeng
The platform will allow for interaction between children and their democratically elected representatives, i.e. Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) including the MEC of Education Mr Panyaza Lesufi. Topics to be discussed at this year’s Children’s Sector Parliament include: The right to education, Children living in the streets, the role of government as a protector and Bill of rights – The provision of social services and protection against exploitation
The Sector Parliament will be attended by 500 children across the five Gauteng regions – between the ages of 7 and 18. GPL is currently the only Legislature in South Africa that has incorporated children as one of its public participation target stakeholders through the Sector Parliament initiative.
GPL is mandated by the Constitution of South Africa to promote public participation, improve access and involvement of the people of Gauteng in the daily running of the Province. GPL represents the voice of the people of Gauteng, as well as ensuring that oversight is conducted and laws are implemented and abided to.
Members of the Media are invited to attend and cover the session.
For more information or interview queries, please contact: Mr Thebe Khumalo on 011 498 5948 / 072 266 1021 email: TKhumalo@gpl.gov.za OR Ms Pfano Bulasigobo on 011 498 6381 / 060 533 1982 email: PBulasigobo@gpl.gov.za
