Committee met with the National Democratic Convention (Nadeco) on its concerns
on Section 134 of the Children's Act
20 September 2007
The Department of Social Development representatives of the Portfolio
Committee on Social Development and the National Democratic Convention (Nadeco)
held a meeting to discuss Nadeco's concerns about certain aspects of the
section 134 of the Children's Act, today, 20 September, in Cape Town.
The delegations were led by Ms Vuyelwa Nhlapo Deputy Director-General for
Integrated Development at the Department of Social Development. Advocate Mike
Masutha, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee and the Nadeco delegation by Ms
Julia Xhalaba, Nadeco national Deputy President. At issue was Nadeco's concern
with section 134 of the Children's Act, specifically the access to
contraceptives by children over the age of 12.
Advocate Masutha facilitated the meeting and Doctor Maria Mabetoa Chief
Director Children at the Department of Social Development made a brief
presentation about the history of the Children's Act from 1997 and the
consultative processes that took place until the Bill became law in July 2005.
Ms Henrietta Bogopane, Member of Parliament, gave a detailed explanation on
issues considered by the Portfolio Committee that led to the age of 12 being
agreed upon as the age at which children could access contraceptives.
Protective measures have been integrated into section 134 that provides for
compulsory medical counselling with the extension of confidentiality in the
service provided.
This will capture children in need of care in providing access to
contraceptives, without discriminating against children who do not have access
to parents or guardians, she outlined. It is further also designed to
complement the Sexual Offences Act by creating an obligation to report cases of
sexual abuse. She explained that the whole idea of the Act was the protection
of children, especially in the light of the HIV and AIDS epidemic and teenage
pregnancies and the need to protect vulnerable children.
The Nadeco representatives said they were in support of the Children's Act,
but were concerned that at the age of 12 children were not yet ready to assume
full responsibility and wanted to know the role of parents. Nadeco stated that
access to oral and injectable contraception does not protect children against
sexually transmitted diseases and HIV and AIDS that long term use of
contraceptives carries the risk of cervical cancer in women.
Nadeco stated that they would advocate that section 134 of the Act be
amended and believed the consultative process started with the Department of
Social Development would continue. The party added that Nadeco women would
avail themselves for further discussions on the matter because they said they
were committed to the protection and development of the children in our
country.
It was emphasised at the meeting that the clause in the Children's Act does
not necessary remove the obligation of the parent and parental responsibility
to raise their children within their moral, cultural and value beliefs but to
enable the more vulnerable child to access contraception where it is
needed.
Enquiries:
Lakela Kaunda
Cell: 082 782 2575
Issued by: Department of Social Development
20 September 2007
