GCIS Emphasizes Unified Action To Advance Child Rights, Transform Lives For Nation's Future

Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said children, individuals, and organizations that support child rights and well-being support a common set of national goals, which could change the lives of children and shape the country's future.

GCIS noted that these goals aim to ensure that the 3,000 children born each day have enough food, love, safety and education to help the country grow, boost the economy, and break the cycles of inequality and poverty.

During a two-day meeting organized by the Presidency and the Department of Social Development (DSD), government officials, civil society members and other partners agreed on the steps needed to help all children achieve their best well-being and reach their full potential.

The meeting took place in Boksburg on Oct. 17 and 18. The GCIS further mentioned that this commitment comes from President Cyril Ramaphosa's recognition that South Africa needs to take urgent action for children and teenagers.

This is important because there are worries that progress in reducing child poverty and mortality since 1994 is slowing down. The GCIS also mentioned that people from all parts of society are calling for better care and protection for children from all kinds of harm.

"These priorities are set out in the government's draft National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC), which provides clear frameworks for strengthening existing programs across State departments," GCIS said, SA News reported.

It added, "The NSAAC also promotes a high degree of intersectoral collaboration between government, civil society and the private sector to support the implementation of apex priorities, particularly those that do not fit neatly into a single department's mandate."

The statement said that the government and civil society agree that families, in all their forms, are mainly responsible for taking care of and supporting children. Meanwhile, the government provides the services, support, and protections that help children succeed.

Before the consultative forum, children and teenagers had the chance to share their priorities at various meetings.

Children who attended the National Children's Dialogue from Oct. 11 to 13 and were chosen by their peers were able to present their shared priorities, concerns and recommendations in person at the forum.