Z Skweyiya: Orphans and vulnerable children conference

12 July 2006

The MEC of Social Development, Ms Masilo,
Chairperson of the Social Services Select Committee in the National Council of
Provinces (NCOP) and other members of Parliament and Provincial
Legislatures,
Representatives of donor agencies,
Delegates from sister countries in Southern African Development Community
(SADC),
Members of civil society,
Ladies and gentlemen

We are gathered here today, as representatives of our respective sectors to
affirm our commitment to the protection and promotion of the rights of
children.

HIV and AIDS is a key challenge of our times which tests our capacity to
build truly caring communities.

The protection of the rights of orphans and other children made vulnerable
by HIV and AIDS and other social ills requires the involvement of government
and other sectors, such as faith-based organisations, community-based
organisations, business sector, labour, donor and development agencies. We have
therefore felt it prudent to convene this dialogue so that we can gain from the
wisdom of other sectors in dealing with this challenge.

We are also pleased to welcome delegates from the SADC sub region. We see
this as an opportunity to strengthen regional co-operation in protecting our
children, who are the future of this region. Our governments, through the
Regional Indicative Strategic Development Programme (RISDP), have adopted a
multi-sectoral and integrated approach. This approach will no doubt contribute
positively to achieving the Millennium Development Goals in the context of the
New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) and the United Nations General
Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) declaration of commitment.

Indeed, this conference takes place against this international and regional
background, and will also be used to consolidate the consultative processes
that preceded the development of the Policy Framework and the National Action
Plan for orphans and other children made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS.

Our three day meeting also provides an opportunity to review progress with
regards to the implementation of the 2002 conference recommendations and share
experiences or lessons learnt.

A gathering of this nature should come as no surprise given the impact of
HIV and AIDS in our region. In South Africa in particular, the epidemic
increases the population of orphans and vulnerable children, while reducing the
pool of traditional caregivers and the number of breadwinners. We are now
confronted with many households that are being headed by grandparents or by
children without adult supervision.

Our challenge is to identify these children so that we have an idea of
numbers, in order to plan accordingly. Census 2001 put the numbers of
child-headed households then at more than 248 000. More than 300 000 children
obtain the foster care grant and we believe there are many others that we have
not yet managed to reach. In this regard, our provincial departments are
prioritising efforts aimed at bringing vulnerable children into the social
safety net, in co-operation with the departments of Justice and Home
Affairs.

What makes it imperative for the State and the non-governmental sector to
intervene is the pressure on community structures. These structures include the
extended family system, which has traditionally acted as a safety net for
children and orphans. However, due to the epidemic and poor economic
conditions, many extended families are unable to cope. In most cases, only the
grandmother is available to assist using her meagre pension to raise the
children. The conference deliberations on the question of family support in
general and granny headed households in particular will be helpful.

Let me also take this opportunity to acknowledge the selfless contribution
of many volunteers especially child and youth workers who provide support.

HIV and AIDS also affect the psychological and social well being of
children. It is now widely accepted that early psychosocial interventions
strengthens the potential of a child. Therefore such early interventions should
be at the heart of our programmes. This is one of the issues that will also be
thoroughly discussed at this conference.

Esteemed delegates, our approach is geared towards keeping children within
their families and communities. It is aimed at providing comprehensive care and
support which is complemented by proactive action. This includes linking
families with poverty alleviation projects and other services in the community,
as facilitated for by the establishment of child care forums which forums will
provide material and emotional assistance to families.

Most importantly, ladies and gentlemen, we need to continuously fight
discrimination and stigma attached to vulnerable children, so that they can
lead lives of dignity and be treated with respect. This should include
correcting the terminology and labels that are commonly used, such as “AIDS
orphans” which stigmatize and pigeonhole affected children, and lowers their
self-esteem. I trust that delegates will raise some of these issues.

Another critical but difficult issue that requires discussion is that of
succession planning. Our policies and programmes are designed to improve the
health and quality of life of those who live with HIV.

However, experience has deemed it necessary that in mitigating the impact of
the epidemic on children, we need to proactively look at the issue of
succession planning. Families need to confront this issue, and be assisted with
the drawing up of wills and other important documentation and planning. Such
action will provide them with opportunity of choosing who will take care of
their children, and what will happen to family assets such as the family home.
It is indeed a difficult matter but it requires open discussion and
planning.

Ladies and gentlemen, in preparation for the conference the planning team
resolved to bring to the fore the voices of children. This commitment was based
on the reality that children have a right to be heard. Children throughout the
country are actively involved in projects and activities aimed at improving the
wellbeing of others. It is therefore the task of society to provide these
children with the space and tools to organise, mobilise and advocate for their
own.

It is with this in mind and in order to ensure that children participate in
their own development, that we organised a child participation workshop with 90
children from all over the country from 30 June to 2 July in Mogale City. The
report and recommendations from the child participation workshop will be tabled
at this conference for discussion and adoption.

I had the privilege of interacting with the children yesterday in Pretoria,
and we are honoured to have them amongst us here as delegates. I can assure the
delegates that they will be as enriched as I was from hearing the views of the
young delegates on this serious issue that affects their lives. I wish to
applaud each and every one of you who joined in this co-ordinated effort to
create an enabling environment for our children.

Esteemed delegates, let me reiterate that the impact of HIV and AIDS on
children, families and communities in our country calls for a co-ordinated
response from all sectors, for us to be able to mitigate the impact of the
disease.

I therefore thank all of you for attendance and wish you fruitful
deliberations that will contribute to improving the lives of families and
children affected by HIV and AIDS.

It is my honour and privilege to declare this conference open.

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Social Development
12 July 2006