As part of keeping alive President Nelson Mandela’s legacy as a champion of children’s rights; Social Development in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and the KZN Provincial Legislature will host a special sitting of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament on Friday, 6 November 2019.
Other partners include Save the Children SA and the South African Human Rights Commission. In its 9th year, this year’s Children’s Parliament coincides with the commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign under the theme: Enough is Enough – 356 days to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide”. The Children’s Parliament will therefore shine the light on the lived experiences of children growing up in a violent society such as ours.
Children participating in the special sitting represent children constituencies across the country, including children with disabilities. As part of the special sitting, children elect their own presiding officers who oversee the proceedings.
The special sitting gives children an opportunity to petition government on matters relating to education, health, safety and protection of children in South Africa. The recent brutal and senseless killing of Gomolemo Legae in North West highlights the vulnerability of South Africa’s children.
This year, the Children’s Parliament also coincides with the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC); will be held under the theme, “Reflecting on the 25 years of South African Children’s Rights - Challenges and Opportunities.” As such, children will utilise the parliament as a platform to reflect on progress made since ratification of UNCRC while holding accountable institutions responsible for protection and promotion of children’s rights.
Amongst issues of discussion, the Children’s Parliament will deliberate more on issues raised by children through the Children’s Manifesto and included in the NPAC, and how to maximise implementation of the Child Participation Framework.
Later on the day, the Department of Social Development, will in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Save the Children SA and the Thuthukile Unathi Consulting, host the Children’s Parliament Gala Dinner.
The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ms Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu and other dignitaries will attend and respond to issues raised by the Children’s Parliament.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the special sitting of the 9th Session of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament arranged as follows:
Children’s Parliament Programme
Date: Friday, 06 December 2019
Time: 10h00
Venue: KZN Provincial Legislature, Pietermaritzburg - KwaZulu-Natal Province
Children’s Parliament Gala Dinner Programme
Date: Friday, 06 December 2019
Time: 18h00
Venue: Venue: 1 Hilton Avenue, Protea Hotel, Hilton 3245, Pietermaritzburg - KwaZulu-Natal Province
Media can RSVP:
Ms Nomfundo Lentsoane
Cell: 066 480 6845
E-mail: NomfundoLe@dsd.gov.za
Mr Jaconia Kobue
Cell: 063 249 5120
E-mail: JaconiaK@dsd.gov.za
Enquiries:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-mail: LumkaO@dsd.gov.za
