Issued by: Ministry For Safety and Security
26 November 1996
PRETORIA - South Africa today became the first country in the world to be presented the first report on commercial sexual exploitation of children when widow of slain Swedish Prime Minister Olaf Palme, also chairperson of the United Nations Children's Fund in Sweden handed the report to acting Welfare Minister Sydney Mufamadi.
The report - a two set of comprehensive documents, includes a message presented on behalf of President Nelson Mandela, by Welfare and Population Development Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi at the prestigious World Congress Against Commercial Sexual Exploitation in Stockholm, Sweden, three months ago.
In accepting the report on behalf of the South African Government, Minister Mufamadi said: "Let me express our deep gratitude to Mrs Lisbet Palme and to UNICEF for having brought to the world attention the critical and disturbing issue of commercial sexual exploitation of children, by facilitating and hosting the historic congress held in Stockholm, Sweden, from 27 to 31 August, 1996.
"In a vivid message read to the World Congress by Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, President Nelson Mandela stressed that children should not only be seen but should also be heard. One of the highlights of the congress, that drew enormous sharing of experiences by delegates throughout the globe, was the participation of children and young persons.
"They sent a clear signal to the world, that they could also speak for themselves. For too long, children have been made to be silent and therefore, making them subservient to exploitation. Congress offered them an opportunity to speak out and participate on matters of concern to them.
"South Africa was among world countries which adopted the Declaration and Agenda for Action at the Stockholm congress, in which we committed ourselves to, among others, promoting stronger co-operation between states and all sectors of society to prevent children from entering the sex trade, and to strengthen the role of families in protecting children against commercial sexual exploitation.
"As a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified on 16 June 1995 - South Africa has committed itself to prevent the violation of children's rights. We have committed ourselves to provide an enabling environment in which children could develop to their full potential.
"South Africa has a National Plan of Action for Children whose objectives include a review and adaptation of the global goals for child survival ad protection. Government and NGOs form part of the NPA.
"The presentation of this report will help to strengthen the drive by Government and organs of civil society in ridding the country of the evil of commercial sexual exploitation of children.
"Since the world congress, a post-Stockholm consultative workshop organised by Government departments, NGOs and other stakeholders, was held here in Pretoria. Proposed sectoral action plans which include a registry for child sex offenders, have been submitted."
An intersectoral Consultative Committee composed of Government departments and organs of civil society that will study and integrate the various plans, has now been set up.
"This demonstrates how serious the issue of the commercial sexual exploitation of children is regarded in South Africa," said Mufamadi.
ISSUED BY: SYDNEY MUFAMADI, MP MINISTER FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY, ACTING MINISTER FOR WELFARE AND POPULATION DEVELOPMENT
ENQUIRIES: BRIAN SOKUTU, PRESS SECRETARY, WELFARE MINISTRY CELLPHONE: 082-807-5397
MAXWELL MULAUDZI, MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER, SAFETY AND SECURITY MINISTRY TELEPHONE: (012) 323-8880