Launch of Children’s NDP consultations
The National Planning Commission (NPC) has developed a strategy to promote children’s participation in the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030 which will see it working with civil society and government partners to conduct children’s participation workshops in every province in South Africa starting in March 2017. The aim of these workshops is to develop a children’s NDP.
The NPC recognises that children are an important component of society not only because they comprise of 35% of the population, but because they are a source of inspiration, energy and resourcefulness for the country.
They are the present and future potential of our nation and as such, it is important to engage children as critical stakeholders by sharing Vision 2030 and gleaning their insights into the NDP.
In partnership with RAPCAN (Resources Aimed at the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect), The Lords Acre Mission and Youth Empowerment Action, the NPC will conduct the first children’s consultation at the Franschhoek Sports Centre in the Groendal community on 27 and 28 March 2017 and in the Groot Drakenstein Prison on 29 March 2017.
In expressing his enthusiasm for the initiative, 17 year old Tlhompo Shakwane from the Mbombela Junior Council in Mpumalanga said, “it is not good enough to only reach the good children we must also speak to children who find themselves in difficult circumstances such as those in conflict with the law”.
The NDP contains the aspirations of a more equal South African society in 2030 where poverty has been eradicated. These dreams are underpinned by the concepts of a social compact based on strong leadership, an effective state and active citizenship. The second NPC focuses all its work on the core proposals of the NDP: the eradication of poverty, and reduction of unemployment and inequality.
To undertake this work, the NPC has established three work streams that focus on: enhancing the quality of life for the poor; building an inclusive and fairer economy; and promoting ethical leadership and active citizenship while building a capable state, respectively.
The approach adopted by the NPC is to challenge all sectors of society – individuals, citizenry, civil society, the private sector and government – to come together to realise Vision 2030. This is done mainly through stakeholder engagements aimed at promoting a social compact and active citizenship.
Media are invited to the consultations as follows:
Dates: 28 March 2017
Time: 9h30 -16h00
Venue: Franschoek Sports Centre, Groedendal
NB: No media will be allowed to attend the engagement in the prison.
For further information about the initiative or any of the events, please contact:
Xoliswa Dilata
Cell: 082 878 7473
E-mail: xoliswa.dilata@dpme.gov.za
