Dear Reader
Letter from the Editor – Siyabonga Memela

SNational Children’s Day, on the 1th of November, provides us with the chance to reflect on our responsibilities as a nation, and recommit ourselves to working even harder to ensure the protection and development of our children.

Regrettably, over the past few years we have witnessed an increase in the numbers of vulnerable children. The ultimate example of this has been the phenomenon of child-headed households. Since 1994, the South African government has introduced a host of policies and programmes to protect children who are at risk. As a result of these initiatives, millions of children now benefit from the child support grant and thousands of others are given foster care grants.

In 1994, South Africa approved the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. In so doing, the country committed itself to implement the principle of putting children first. We, as a nation ought to support this obligation by collectively taking action and ensuring a positive impact on our own regional and global development. We all need to get involved in this initiative in order for it to be a success. As such, each and every one of us should commit to caring for at least one vulnerable child, within or outside our families.

We need to return to the basics and ethos of our African culture. We must, on one hand, take joint responsibility for raising children and, on the other hand, strengthen our legislative environment.

Children’s rights cover four main aspects of a child’s life: the right to survive; the right to develop; the right to be protected from harm, and the right to participate. This month, Indwe profiles National Children’s Day – as is evident on our cover and in the article on page 28. This article takes a look at children’s rights and needs and, rather significantly, profiles Section 28 of the South African Bill of Rights.

On Children’s Day and throughout this month, let us all be reminded of our responsibilities as adults and endeavour to help children to claim the things that will allow them to meet their basic needs, live with dignity and enjoy freedom from both want and fear.

We at Indwe wish all the children of our nation bright futures, full of all the opportunities that they deserve.

Enjoy the read!
Enjoy the flight!
Siyabonga Memela