/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) – an Expert Committee of the African Union (AU) – has congratulated South Africa for leading in the establishment of Sexual Offences Courts, which are probably the first of its kind in Africa.

The Committee further applauded the country on its exemplary constitution and legislative provisions for children which it said continue to provide guidance for the African Continent.

The government of South Africa presented its periodic country report to the ACERWC on October 9 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  ACERWC was undertaking its periodic evaluation of the Country Reports on Rights and Welfare of the African Child in line with African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, to which South Africa is a signatory.

The South African delegation was led by Deputy Minister for Social Development, Ms Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, supported by South Africa’s Deputy Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ms Nolufefe Dwabayo.

Also part of the delegation were officials from the Department of Social Development, Health, Justice and Constitutional Development, Basic Education and South African Police Services.

In continuing with the theme of child participation in policy formulation, the delegation also included three children, namely, Khumoetsile Songwane (15), Shandre Smith (16) and George Marco Kinnear (18), a disabled learner.

The children had an opportunity to present a video to the Committee highlighting their experiences of South Africa.  This was followed by an interaction with the committee.

In her opening remarks, the Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu outlined progress made by the country since it ratified the African Charter in the year 2000.  She also pointed out challenges that still remain in the implementation of the Charter.

The Committee pointed out that South Africa still needs to further harmonise child marriages and culture as it relates to children’s right in line with International and Regional Treaties.

The Committee also acknowledged the reduction of absolute poverty but expressed concerns regarding high level violence against children and challenges related to crimes committed by children.

In the concluding statement, the Committee acknowledged South Africa’s progress, noted its challenges and encouraged the country to implement the good policies.

Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu committed to provide the Committee with further information and awaits the Committees’ observations and its report validation visit to South Africa.

Media enquiries may be directed to Lumka Oliphant on 083 484 8067 or lumkao@dsd.gov.za

Issued by Department of Communications on behalf of Department of Social Development