In efforts to ensure children’s lives and rights are protected in South Africa, the Portfolio Committee on Social Development has resolved to undertake nationwide public hearings on the Children’s Amendment Bill.
The first of four public hearings in KZN was held on Sunday at Machibini Hall in Jozini. Communities attended, and participated in, the hearings in their numbers.
The Children’s Amendment Bill seeks to strengthen protective measures for children and close gaps in the child protection system.
Furthermore, the Bill is intended to improve child foster care services; resolve the parental responsibilities of unmarried fathers; and services to children born to foreign parents and unaccompanied migrant children.
Portfolio committee chairperson Nonkosi Mvana said the Jozini residents showed overwhelming support for the Bill, and that there was a strong view that the judicial system had to be strengthened to protect children against rape.
‘A number of participants underscored the persisting challenge of child marriages, which often happens as a result of teenage pregnancy. There was strong support for the amendment that prohibits marriage to children below the age of 18.
‘Participants also supported the removal of the clause in the principle Act that authorised guardians to grant permission for underage children to get married,’ she said.
Residents raised the issue of undocumented South African children and children born from foreign nationals as a major concern.
The portfolio committee heard that many children were not documented due to various reasons, including difficulty in tracing the whereabouts of one or both parents, long queues and inefficiencies at the Department of
Home Affairs, and when one or both parents are deceased.
Participants also called for municipalities to take a proactive role in supporting Early Childhood Development centres primarily because of the strategic importance of early childhood development in the holistic development of a child.
Following the recent Constitutional Court judgement, Mvana assured residents that unmarried fathers can now register their children with the Department of Home Affairs.
She also told the participating residents that Parliament has made a commitment and strategic intention to enhance access to its work, the legislation-making process, and public participation in general.
‘The committee appreciated the input made during the hearings and committed to consider said input when finalising the Bill.
‘Your contributions here today were valuable and have empowered us to deliver a final product that is responsive to the needs of the people,’ said Mvana.
The committee will conduct the next hearing in Vryheid.
