Unlawful to use children as protest instruments – North West Provincial Government
The North West Provincial Government has noted with dismay a media article published in The New Age of Tuesday, 21 January 2014 that suggested that teaching and learning were interrupted as school children in some schools around Zeerust were allegedly being sent home as an alleged ploy to highlight water shortages in the area.
It is especially disappointing that this iniquitous action comes just days after the Office of the Premier had publicly announced over R2 billion reprioritised project intervention implementation plan to address water challenges in all areas experiencing water challenges across the province and a memorandum of understanding was signed off by Premier Modise and Minister of Water Affairs and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa.
It is not only irresponsible but also unlawful to use children in this manner, it absolutely against the Children’s Act. Our children are not inanimate objects.
The provincial government sympathises with the plight of communities facing water shortage particularly in the heat wave being experienced across most parts of our province and has raised the matter with Ngaka Modiri Molema District as the Water Service Authority which has since met with School Governing Bodies and extended water supply to schools and clinics in the area.
A direct engagement with the Water Service Authority instead of resorting to exploitation of children would have averted the inconvenience of interruption to learning and teaching.
It is not justifiable for any individual, institution or organisation to use children to advance their cause. The welfare of children and their education should be placed above all other interests.
Using children in any form of protest or to advance narrow political agendas is not only immoral but also tantamount to abuse, which is against the Constitution and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
