Media Statement

Maseru, Lesotho, 02 May 2023

South Africa will on 03 May 2023 present its second period report before the 41st Ordinary Session of the African Union Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC).

The Department of Social Development is leading the South African delegation which includes the Departments of International Relations and Cooperation, Health, Basic Education, Home Affairs, as well as Justice and Constitutional Development and Correctional Services. 

Several African countries are also expected to present their reports to the Committee on how they have progressed towards the realisation of Child Rights in their respective countries. As a signatory to the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, South Africa is obliged to provide periodic reports every three years. This is in line with Article 43 paragraph 1, of the ACERWC on concluding observations and recommendations the Committee has made based on the country’s submissions.

These areas for reporting include but not limited to the following:

• Social protection for children;

• Access to and abuse of Alcohol and substance abuse by children;

• Access to services especially to children with disabilities and those who are

vulnerable and from poor communities;

• The best interests of the child during natural disasters;

• Freedom of association;

• Access to Basic Education for migrant children, especially those who are

undocumented and unaccompanied;

• Migration laws that apply to children;

• Violence against children;

• Child labour; and

• Teenage pregnancy, amongst others.

In October 2020 Cabinet adopted the 5-year National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC), which is government’s overarching plan and commitment of ensuring that the progressive realisation of child rights, including, care and protection of children is elevated and practically realised. In addition, the plan ensures that there is accountability for planning, budgeting, and reporting in all three spheres of government.

The NPAC also encourages strengthened partnerships with all sectors of society especially civil society given the important role in delivery of services to children. The South African delegation will highlight how Government has implemented legislation, policies, and interventions to improve the State of Children in South Africa and how we are building resilience of children by empowering them to make informed decisions about their own development.

ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Lumka Oliphant on 0834848067 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.