COMMUNITY CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS: Reflections - 2020 Pilot in West Coast District

COMMUNITY CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS: Reflections - 2020 pilot in West Coast District

16 MARCH 2021

COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS REPORT 16 M ARCH 2021

Contents

Acknowledgements ...... 1 Part 2: Service delivery inputs...... 12 Executive Summary ...... 3 ° Health ...... 12 Introduction ...... 4 ° Education ...... 13 Key messages ...... 5 ° Social Development ...... 15 Findings ...... 6 ° Sports and Culture ...... 17 Part 1: Safety mapping ...... 7 ° SERVICE PROVIDER INSIGHTS ... 18 ° Kliprand ...... 7 ANALYSIS ...... 20 ° Aurora ...... 8 ° The costs of marginalisation and ° Bitterfontein ...... 8 disadvantage ...... 20 ° Eendekuil ...... 8 ° Dreams deferred and the ethos of care ...... 21 ° Putsekloof ...... 9 ° The weight of parenting ° Redelinghuys ...... 9 responsibilities ...... 22 ° Rietpoort ...... 9 ° The power of one active citizen ° Stofkraal...... 10 ...... 23 ° Summary of Safety Mapping .. 11 ° Children as active citizens ...... 24 Lessons Learnt ...... 25 Conclusion ...... 26

COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS REPORT 16 M ARCH 2021

Executive Summary

The Western Cape Commissioner for The aim of this report is to document Children developed a method for the key messages for each target direct engagement with children in audience; the findings from the communities in partnership with the community workshops; analysis of Department of Local Government. findings; and lessons and The aims of this initiative were to: recommendations for future community child rights workshops. 1. share the mandate of the Commissioner directly with The Department of Local children in remote communities; Government played an invaluable role in connecting the commissioner The aim of this 2. advocate with parents, legal with stakeholders in communities. The report is to guardians and primary caregivers Commissioner conducted training document the to fulfil their responsibility as with Community Development programme, primary duty bearers of child Workers (CDWs) to introduce the activities and key rights; and child rights framework and an ethical messages for 3. monitor services provided to each target children by government and approach for working with children. audience; the stakeholders. Guided by the district and local level findings from the child focal persons in the Department A pilot project, of parent and child of Local Government, CDWs community workshops, was carried out in the recruited workshop participants. The workshops; Matzikama and Bergriver analysis of Commissioner was the facilitator for Municipalities within the West Coast each workshop. findings; and District municipality. Between the 29 lessons and October – 2 November 2020, the Amongst the key messages shared recommendations Commissioner conducted four with children and parents is that for future parents’ workshops (85 parents), four #littlevoicesMUSTcount with community child children’s workshops (89 children), decision makers, and that children rights workshops. and engaged with 9 government have dreams should be officials in Matzikama Municipality. acknowledged and supported by From 8 - 12 November 2020, another parents, which should be nurtured three parent workshops (40 parents) within a healthy, stable home and three children’s workshops (58 environment. children) were conducted, in Findings of the workshop are addition to engaging with 8 presented in two parts- safety government officials from Piketberg. mapping and service delivery A total of 8 child government inputs. Services in these areas had monitors (5 in Matzikama and 3 in many challenges which was Bergriver) and 4 helpers (in exacerbated by poverty. The quality Matzikama) were recruited for the of health care and insufficient Child Government Monitors initiative. resources were great concerns. Stressors related to education included a high level of dropouts and 3 the exorbitant costs of education in remote areas. There is a need for prevention programmes, rehabilitation services, and organised sport in all communities visited. The Commissioner recommends that local government build processes of capacitation to meaningfully involve parents and children in the integrated development plan.

COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS REPORT 16 M ARCH 2021

Introduction

The Western Cape Commissioner for invaluable role as helpers linking the Children developed a method for Commissioner to the children’s lived direct engagement with children in realities if they maintain contact with communities in partnership with the her. Department of Local Government. A Two weeks later, from 8 - 12 special programme of activities was November 2020, the Commissioner designed for these engagements. travelled a total of 822 km to visit The aims of this initiative were: the communities of Redelinghuys, Eendekuil and Aurora which 4. to share the mandate of the constitutes Ward 7 on Bergriver Commissioner directly with children Municipality. in remote communities;

5. to advocate with parents, legal She conducted three (3) parent and guardians, and primary three (3) children’s workshops. The caregivers to fulfil their workshops involved a total of responsibility as primary duty The aim of this 40 parents (including five fathers bearers of child rights; and report is to in Redelinghuys) and 58 children. document the 6. to monitor services provided to Eight (8) government officials findings from the children by government and gathered in Piketberg to engage the community stakeholders. Commissioner on their responsibilities towards service provision for children. workshops; analysis A pilot project was initiated in two The Commissioner recruited three (3) of findings by municipalities in specific wards within Child Government Monitors during drawing out the West Coast District municipality. these visits. themes; and lessons From 29 October – 2 November 2020, and the Commissioner travelled a total of This report will document the key recommendations 1 782 km to visit the communities of messages for each target audience; for future Bitterfontein, Kliprand, Putsekloof the findings from the community community child and Rietpoort, and Stofkraal and workshops; analysis of findings by rights workshops. Molsvlei, which constitutes Ward 8 of drawing out themes; and lessons and Matzikama Municipality. recommendations for future community child rights workshops. She conducted four (4) parent workshops (involving 85 parents) and four (4) children’s workshops (engaging 89 children). The majority of the participants in the parent workshops were mothers or grandmothers (84) while only one (1) father from Rietpoort participated. Nine (9) government officials engaged the Commissioner on service delivery to children in Vredendal. The Commissioner was also able to 4 recruit five (5) child government monitors and four (4) helpers into her Child Government Monitors initiative. The younger children selected to represent children’s groups are in their early years of primary school and would not be mature enough for the Child Government Monitors initiative, but they can still play an

COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS REPORT 16 M ARCH 2021

Key messages

Government officials and service providers, as secondary duty bearers of child rights, have a specific role to play when parents are unable to fulfil their duty of care. The messages shared with them were to: 1. fulfill their designated roles in their professional capacity to the best of 5 their abilities, 2. align their practice to a child rights approach, 3. share their story of success with children, in the communities served, to foster children’s hope, and 4. encourage others to do their best for children.

COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS REPORT 16 M ARCH 2021

Findings

The findings of workshops are service delivery of the departments presented in two parts. of Health, Education, Social Development as well as Sport and Part 1, which is referred to as Safety Culture. Mapping, focuses on the perceived safety and danger present in the Flipcharts were used to record views various communities from parents of participants, which was also audio and children’s perspectives. recorded. Recordings were transcribed and interpreted in Part 2 comprises of service delivery English. Data is available upon inputs from both parents and request. children. These inputs highlight concerns about and recommendations for

RIGHT: The Commissioner for Children explaining the fiscus and branches of Government using three plates of biscuits in Eendekuil.

COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS REPORT 16 M ARCH 2021

Part 1: Safety mapping

The first substantive discussion KLIPRAND between the Commissioner and The story in the text box below is a parents or children was the narration of the community map of development of a community safety Kliprand by Geané Oortman- a map. This activity entails drawing on grade 9 learner at Hoërskool key community landmarks. Parents, Nuwerus. and then children, are asked in their separate workshops where the safe and dangerous spaces are for children in the community.

English Interpretation

RIGHT: Children’s map of Kliprand community.

COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS REPORT 16 M ARCH 2021

The children’s reports of dangerous and safe places and spaces are as follows:

AURORA EENDEKUIL SAFE PLACES SAFE PLACES  Homes – “Blok – somtyds goeie  Community centre - “Bymekaar ouers” (In the block there are vir funksies” (Together for some good parents) functions)  Sports field – “heining, groot  Church – “Geloof, Here” (Faith mense” (At the sports field there is and God) a protective fence and there are  Shops - “Sweets, Kos” (Buying adults who keep us safe) sweets and food)  School – “Som mense, somtyds  Hostel – “Veilig woon” (Live safely) goed” (Some adults are good  School – “Leer om iets te beruik” sometimes) (Learn in order to reach your  Community centre / Clinic goals) “heining, groot mense (At the community centre / clinic there is DANGEROUS PLACES a protective fence and there are  Community centre where no adults who keep us safe) social distancing takes place  Shops – “Besoedeling” (Litter) DANGEROUS PLACES  School – “Rook dagga, kinders  Homes – “Blok – slaan met stoke, nou en dan geslaan, kinders gooi bierbottels” (In the block at gebully deur ander kinders” home there is hitting with sticks (Smoking marijuana, children are and beer bottles are thrown beaten by adults sometimes, around) children are bullied by other  Sports field – “seerkry, children.” bierbottelstukke” (At the sports field you can get injured from the BITTERFONTEIN broken beer bottles on the ground) SAFE PLACES  School – “Slaan” (We get beaten)  Community centre  Graveyard – “Hokke, gespook,  Sports field slange, skerpione” (Dangerous and haunted structures, snakes,  Clinic scorpions)  Church  Homes

 School

8  Shops

DANGEROUS PLACES

 Homes

 Bars  Petrol stations  Shops

COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS REPORT 16 M ARCH 2021

PUTSEKLOOF  (Alcohol messes up your life, burns you out) SAFE PLACES  Church – “stof in die kerk, mense  Church – “Geloof” (faith) kap aan”  Creche – Education  (The church is dirty and in disrepair, but people continue) DANGEROUS PLACES  Oase (restaurant) – “Maar die  Dam – “Verdrink” (Children goed is duur” drown)  (The food is expensive there)  Park - “Val jou wind uit” (Lose your  Dorphuis (lodge) – “bruin mense breath because of a fall) kan nie daar gaan nie, kos geld” verkoop aan kinders, verkoop   (People of colour cannot go ‘ganja’, maak stoppe, ‘outdoor’ there, it is too costly) stop, pille soos buttons and tik” Church – “afgebrand, nog nie (Produces alcohol and sells to  skoon” children, sells marijuana and drugs like ‘buttons’ and ‘tik’)  (Burnt down, not yet cleaned)  Community centre – “dans, vloekery, drinkery, bakleiery” (When dances are held there is RIETPOORT swearing, drinking, and fighting) SAFE PLACES  Catholic church and hall REDELINGHUYS  Shop (4 have positive attributes)  E-centre SAFE PLACES  Church – “bid vir jou, Jesus, Bybel” DANGEROUS PLACES (They pray for you, Jesus, Bible)  Dam – “Drie kinders verdrink”  Oase (restaurant) – “kos” (Can (Three children have drowned) buy food)  Park – “Val jou wind uit” (Lose  Dorphuis (lodge) – “eet, slaap, your breath because of a fall) kuier, swem” (eat, sleep, stay  Shops – (3 out of 4 are also over, swim) dangerous)  Clinic – “Gesond” (Keep us  Shebeens “Smokkelhuise” healthy)  Community centre – “Dans en  Municipality – “Daar is ‘n bakleiery” biblioteek, strate skoon, plek (When dances are held there veilig” (There is a library there, the are fights) streets are kept clean, the place is safe)  Police station – “veilig hou” (keeps us safe) 9

DANGEROUS PLACES  Police station – “maak onskuldigge mense seer, slat/vloek die mense” (Hurts innocent people, hits and swears at people)  Liquor store – “alkohol mos jou lewe op, brand jou uit”

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STOFKRAAL

SAFE PLACES  Community centre – “Daar is a  Homes – “Word geslaan, breek en dak op” (There is a roof on it) maak seer” (Get beaten, hurt,  Clinic – “medisyne, gesond hou” and ‘broken’) (Receive medicine and keeps us  School – “Slaan deur onderwyser, healthy) daar word gebully, COVID-19”  Homes – “Slaap, eet, kosmaak (Get beaten by educators, there (Sleep, eat, make food) is bullying, COVID-19)  School – “Ons kan leer” (We can learn)

DANGEROUS PLACES  Shop – “gooi klip, steek brand, gooi papiere rond” (Throwing of stones, burning things, littering)  Soccer field – “Varke is daar, baklei (There are pigs there and the adults sometimes fight)

BELOW:  Park – “Val, seerkry, breek” (Fall, Children’s chart of the hurt yourself, break bones) Rietpoort Community.

COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS REPORT 16 M ARCH 2021

ABOVE: Children presenting their Mosvlei/Stofkraal SUMMARY OF SAFETY community maps. MAPPING

Children enjoyed discussing and They reported they need to use their debating with each other about the skills to be aware of dangers while positive and negative attributes of also recognising the positive places and spaces in their attributes of the places they frequent. communities. Parents were also The key message shared by the requested in their workshop to Commissioner during this activity is complete a safety map for children in that children’s homes may be one of their communities. Their assessment of the most dangerous places for them the safety of places and spaces to navigate because of domestic closely matched the views of the Parents almost violence or substance abuse. This children. Of note, parents almost always refused to was acknowledged by parents and always refused to identify where drug identify where children in all communities. drug and alcohol and alcohol abuse was happening. abuse was In some communities they told the Commissioner: “vra maar vir die happening. kinders” (rather ask the children). They knew the children would be forthright and honest about these dangerous places, and children did not hesitate to disclose this information. 11 Most places and spaces children navigated in their communities could have safe and dangerous attributes.

COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS REPORT 16 M ARCH 2021

Part 2: Service delivery inputs

HEALTH

The quality of health care is a big being sterilised when they turn 40 concern in some communities. This years old. The treatment by the was reported particularly in Aurora, doctor is rushed, they say: “partykeer Bitterfontein, Kliprand and kom die dokter Woensdae dan Rietpoort/Putsekloof. hardloop hy ons af (sometimes the The waiting time at the clinics is a doctor comes on Wednesday then problem for the communities of she runs through patients).” Aurora, Bitterfontein, Eendekuil, When community members from Kliprand, Redelinghuys. In Aurora, the Eendekuil need to visit a specialist in community requests a full-time Piketberg, the travel to the specialist clinic. There are reports of appointment is at the patient’s insufficient medication and staff at expense. To get to their specialist the clinics in Aurora, Redelingshuys appointments in Piketberg, and Rietpoort. community members in Aurora and In Kliprand, the parents in the Eendekuil report they need to spend community complained the nurses R300-R400 on transport. The are rude “verpleegsters is onbeskof.” ambulance services are not regular In Rietpoort there are reports of and only comes to a certain point in nursing staff that are disrespectful the communities of Stofkraal and and too prescriptive - some medical Aurora. personnel even coerce women into In Rietpoort concern was expressed about dead bodies that stay in the homes for hours. Women reportedly need to deliver their babies too because the ambulance is never on time. Their local midwife, who always averted disaster, is now ailing and aging. A range of concerns were expressed by parents with children having similar concerns. Children in some communities considered the effect of social challenges on health status. The abuse of drugs and alcohol was of concern - “kinders moet wegbly van smokkelhuise af” (children should stay away from taverns and shebeens, Rietpoort/Putsekloof). The effects of 12 poverty and deprivation on health was also considered – “genoeg kos by die huis” (there should be enough

RIGHT: Children’s food at home). insights on how health services can be improved in Eendekuil.

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The children have very similar children: “hulle ken nie drie letter concerns about health service woorde nie (they cannot recognise provision as the adults in the three letter words).” Parents spoke community ie. the approachability of openly in all communities of children medical staff and their lack of being affected by Foetal Alcohol respect for community members – Syndrome and requiring additional “hulle moet leer om vriendelik te support. wees” (they must learn to be friendly) The drop out level is high in the was an issue in Bitterfontein. The primary school years, as reported in waiting times due to insufficient Aurora and Eendekuil. For example, personnel and lack of correct and in Eendekuil, the parents are sufficient medication were raised as concerned that: “as ons kinders op issues of concern by the children. This Hoërskool kom dan los hulle sommer list of deficiencies in the health system want hoe verder jy gaan, hoe Children’s from the children in Eendekuil typifies moeiliker raak dit (when our children inability to read the comments of children in many start high school, then they drop out, as is a great other communities. They say: “Ons you progress it becomes too difficult). concern in the moenie so lank wag nie. Ons het pille communities of nodig. Ons het rystoele nodig. Ons Parents explain that few kids progress Aurora, het ‘n ambulans nodig wanneer daar from their primary school (which may Bitterfontein, and ‘n noodgeval is. Ons het beddens go up to grade 9) to the high schools Eendekuil. nodig. Ons het n groot kliniek nodig! which may start at grade 10 in (We shouldn’t wait so long. We need pills. Bergriver municipality. They attribute We need wheelchairs. We need an this to the big adjustment that needs ambulance for emergencies. We need to be made to a new school and the beds. We need a big clinic!) primary school education not being enough to easily transition to the next EDUCATION grade. A mother from Putsekloof recommends: “Nou ek voel die Educators' commitment to teaching onderwysers, en selfs die ouers, moet was raised as a concern in the meer insit om hul kinders se communities of Aurora, Bitterfontein opvoeding eerste te sit, dit moet and Eendekuil. In Bitterfontein parents eerste kom (I feel the educators and said: “onderwysers sit altyd met die parents must invest more in their foon in die klas (educators are always children’s education, it should be a top on their phones in class).” According to priority.) parents in Eendekuil, the educators In addition, the cost of attending do not give adequate explanations high school is taxing on parents with of the work for the child to low-income levels. In Kliprand, where understand, and parents are unable 13 the high school is more than 80km to help because of their own literacy away on a gravel road, parents pay levels. R300 each weekend to bring their Children’s inability to read is also a children home from the hostel and great concern in the communities of hostel fees are an added cost. There Aurora, Bitterfontein, and Eendekuil. seemed to be no understanding of In Bitterfontein, the parents the policy of fee-free schooling for which low-income families are commented on the reading eligible. In some cases, the power of inadequacies of primary school parents was overshadowed by the

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professionals within the school used as a means of punishment in governing body. For example, in their schools. Parents in the Rietpoort/Putskloof the parents said: Bitterfontein workshop strongly spoke “die skool besluit namens die out against corporal punishment in beheerliggam (the school decides on schools – “Slaan kry moet end kry! There is an behalf of the governing body).” This was (Being beaten must stop!) Children from expressed need for different from Aurora where a Redelinghyus agree – ‘Moenie prevention mother, who attended the workshop, kinders slaan nie (do not beat the programmes, as was obviously a very respected and Molsvlei/Stofkraal also extended this well as vocal member of the school message relating to corporal rehabilitation governing body. Moreover, parents punishment for educators to be services in all did not know about the National attentive to the emotional wellbeing communities School Financial Assistance Scheme of children as well – “Moet ons nie visited. The key (NSFAS), for children to proceed with hartseer maak nie. (Do not make us issues for tertiary studies. They were too fearful sad).” Other issues of concern were intervention are to encourage their children to also reported. drug and alcohol proceed to a tertiary level due to the abuse and children costs anticipated. Furthermore, children were inclined leaving school to reflect on their entire schooling prematurely. In all the community workshops many experience rather than only focus on challenges within schools were one aspect. For example, children in foregrounded. Children reported to Bitterfontein reflected on the poor the Commissioner, when completing state of infrastructure, lack of sports the community safety map, that and absence of rewards systems corporal punishment is still being such as diploma ceremonies – “hulle

RIGHT: Children’s insights on improvements needed at schools in Eendekuil.

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moet die skool service (they must do SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT regular maintenance at school).” There is an expressed need for Clean or even new ablution facilities at schools were needed in reports prevention programmes as well as from Eendekuil, Bitterfontein, rehabilitation services in all Redelinghuys and Stofkraal. The communities visited. The key issues for children in Stofkraal/Molsvlei are intervention are drug and alcohol asking for “nuwe toilete, want die ou abuse and children leaving school toilete ruik goor! (new toilets are prematurely. needed because the ones we have now The parents of Aurora say: “daar reek!)”. moet ‘n program wees vir ‘dropouts’

Children in Eendekuil reflected on the voorkommings werk (there should be a value of learning and that all children programme for the prevention of school may not realise what they are dropouts).” Children report foregoing by being absent from abuse and school – “kinders moet elke dag skool neglect by toe kom en mag gedwing word om Parents who have their children parents as a te werk (children must come to school removed for abuse or neglect feel main concern. every day and may be forced to do their unsupported by social development work). services. They say: “welsyn vat net kinders af hulle onderstaan nie ouers In the Redelinghuys and (social services only remove children Rietpoort/Putsekloof workshop from their parents and does not support children emphasise that children parents).” Parents are also skeptical of must be taught good manners and the appropriateness of the safety respect at school – “kinders moet parents where their children are goed opgevoed word en ander placed, they say: “sekere mense se respekteer (children must be educated kinders word verwyder en word ook well and learn to respect others).” toe geken aan voogte wat nie Respect was also linked in the Rietpoort/Putsekloof workshop, to the bevoeg is nie (some people’s children right not to be bullied at school – get removed but the children get placed “kinders moet nie gebullie word nie in care with parents that are not (children must not be bullied).” capable.)” Parents expressed that the places where their children are placed seem to be no better for the children than their own homes. A community activist parent in Eendekuil spoke of her voluntary work in the child protection space and encouraged parents in the workshop to do their best for their children. She reports that only the older women are interested in child protection and community work and that younger women want to be paid for their 15 efforts, but this is not always possible. She emphasized that community building is everyone’s responsibility. Some parents in Rietpoort/Putsekloof also spoke passionately to encourage other parents to take care of their children. In the communities of Kliprand, Bitterfontein and Rietpoort there is a

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problem with applying for and receiving the social grants. Parents also raised the issue of the age of eligibility for child support grants. Kliprand parents report problems with applying for the grant in Vredendal as this incurs transport costs. They must also travel far to get the payments if the local shops do not help them to access their money. In Molsvlei/ Stofkraal parents shared stories of paying others to draw their money for them in the Northern Cape Communities are rather than pay the transport money reportedly to travel to the ATMs themselves, deprived of the sometimes the pay point is at the amenities and local community centre. opportunities for In Rietpoort, the parents say the issue professional sports is: “op 18, word allpay gestop (at 18 coaching, years old the child support grant is participating in stopped).” In the community of sport Rietspoort/ Putsekloof the parents say ABOVE: Eendekuil children’s competitions, and poster of recommendations the lack of social grant brings to the Department of Social they are also depression for the parent which Development unable to elevate requires treatment. Bitterfontein their cultural parents ask: “watte rol kan SASSA en activities to be welsyn speel, interme van kinders wat In Redelinghuys, the children acknowledge and 18 jaar oud is om sodoende steeds ‘n recommend: “vat die kinders weg adequately grant te ontvang? (what role can wat probleme het na n veilige plek supported by SASSA and Social Development play, so toe (remove children from their homes if government that children can still receive a grant there are problems and find them a safe officials. when they turn 18?). place to stay).” Bitterfontein children shared their thoughts about the work Children report child abuse and of social development in relation to neglect by parents as a main child protection: “mees belangrikste concern. The children in Eendekuil werk om kinders weg te neem van express a need for child protection ouers. (most important work is to remove services: “om kinders te help as hulle children from parents). mishandel word (to help children who are being abused).” The children in Eendekuil listed all the ways developmental social welfare services can benefit them: “om na kinders te kyk as hulle ouers nie daar is nie, om families te help as daar

probleme is en die ouers baie alkohol drink en dit stop, om kinders te help as 16 hulle mishandel word, om kinders in

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goeie families te sit, om kinders te explained how she supplements help as hulle dwelms gebriuk (to take children’s education with reading care of children when their parents are no and art programmes. Parents are longer with them, to assist families when involved in book clubs and crafting. there are problems and to assist when The parents attest to the value this parents drink too much and stop the adds to the community and the alcohol abuse, to assist children when development of their children.

they are abused, to place children in The children would like to be able to good families, to assist children when they participate in all types of sporting are using drugs.). and cultural activities. The list includes: “gym, swimming, athletics, SPORTS AND CULTURE soccer” from children in Aurora. In Bitterfontein, children are interested A list of sports and cultural activities in: “rugby, soccer, athletics and cricket.” which were needed was highlighted Eendekuil children are interested in: in all community workshops. In “golf, basketball, swimming, dance and Kliprand and Eendekuil the singing”. The activity interests in communities report there is no Redelinghuys are: “netball, rugby, organised sport. The parents of tennis, cricket and soccer.” The Eendekuil say: “hier gaan niks aan nie Bitterfontein, Rietpoort/Putsekloof (there is nothing happening here).” and Molsvlei/Stofkraal were also Rietpoort/Putesekloof, Bitterfontein genuinely concerned that the and Stofkraal/Molsvlei require better facilities for conducting normal sports facilities. The kids of Rietpoort school sport such as athletics is say: “op die atletiekbaan moet gras littered with stones and thorns – the wees (there should be grass on the children in Molsvlei/Stokraal request: athletics track.)” All the communities “klippe wegvat en dorings (take the require more sports facilities. Rieldans stones and thorns away)”. Their requests (traditional dance for this area) is a seem very basic, such as a grass favourite cultural activity in most of athletics track. these communities. Communities are reportedly deprived of the amenities and opportunities for professional sports coaching, participating in sport competitions, and they are also unable to elevate their cultural activities to be acknowledged and adequately supported by government officials.

In Aurora, the value of libraries as community development hubs was discussed by a library assistant who attended the parent workshop. She

RIGHT: Eendekuil Children’s drawings of sports they would like to participate in.

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SERVICE PROVIDER INSIGHTS Government service providers in narrated a case where a victim of Piketberg and Vredendal were violence was sent from one service engaged on the children rights provider to the next instead of one Officials approach of the Commissioner for service provider addressing the acknowledged Children. She explained the duty of matter comprehensively. Officials that the work care of government towards also acknowledged that the work ethic in the children. Government must create ethic in the public service may need public service an enabling environment for to be addressed to optimise may need to children’s growth and development governance. They said: “people don’t be addressed as well as stepping in to take care of want to work; we need to work together.” to optimise children directly when parents are They would like to see more governance. not able. Government stakeholders commitment to the whole of society must also balance children’s approach to development. protection, provision, and Children’s participation in shaping participation rights. service provision is not commonly The child participation or autonomy practiced. The Commissioner rights orientation was a mind shift for presented the work of the children some who attended the workshop. A from Eendekuil to the service police representative in Piketberg providers at the workshop in noted that this paradigm was very Piketberg. The official from different to the one they currently Department of Health noted that employ when engaging children. He children articulated very credible realised: “when we deal with children, inputs for service provision and we must not shout them down.” reflected that children are not consulted as service beneficiaries. Government officials also reflected that they need to be more reflective guide services, but the Commissioner of their practice and whether all advised that consulting children officials are doing the best for required specialised expertise and children. A social worker in Piketberg protection measures. Building

BELOW: Government Officials participating in a service delivery workshop in Vredendal

RIGHT: The Commissioner with service providers at a workshop in Vredendal.

COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS REPORT 16 M ARCH 2021

ABOVE: Learner elected as Child structures for active citizen remote Redelinghuys where it is sorely Government participation starting with younger needed to the main town of Monitor citizens was discussed in the Piketberg. These insights from workshop in Piketberg. government officials provided valuable information to the There was clear commitment Commissioner for Children about the amongst stakeholders who attended ethos of care of service providers. the meetings with the Commissioner to improve service provision to children. Officials in Vredendal appreciated the vision of the Office

to reimagine and remake childhoods. In Piketberg, officials There was a clear commitment commented that the ‘paper amongst stakeholders who models,’ to improve development attended the meetings with the and rights outcomes, need to be Commissioner to improve service implemented. They also expressed a provision to children. ‘sense of urgency when working with remote communities.’ Noting that officials must do their best to take services to the people in 19 multidisciplinary teams. The centralisation of services in main towns was a concern. For example, a Mass Participation; Opportunity and access; Development and Growth (MOD) centre was moved from

COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS REPORT 16 M ARCH 2021

tarred N7 (Cape to Namibia Route). ANALYSIS The length and quality of the road resulted in many additional hardships such as feelings of isolation.

Third, the geographical location of remote communities as well as the lack of adequate infrastructure and quality services, is a great disadvantage to the optimal development and fulfillment of rights of children. Certain communities THE COSTS OF describe themselves as being ‘cut MARGINALISATION AND off’ or ‘left behind’: “Rietpoort – een DISADVANTAGE van die agtergeblewene dorpies in die Wes-Kaap. (Rietpoort is one of the Living in a remote community results towns left behind in the Western Cape).” in additional costs to community A parent in Rietpoort said: “ons kan members just to be able to survive nie bel nie want ons het glad nie sein and go about daily living. in Rietpoort nie (we cannot make First it must be acknowledged that phone calls because there is no mobile All there are structural issues that phone signal.)” communities resulted in the location and contexts In Kliprand, mothers spoke of “geen cried out for of each of these communities. opvangs en privaat wifi” (no signal and additional Apartheid legacies of creating private WiFi). The lack of mobile phone support for labour camps and paying workers on infrastructure in the community cuts their children a dop system are still evident today. them off from the outside world. to enable them The ward councilor expressed: “baie Although they have an E-centre in to achieve van die drank probleme wat ons Rietpoort, the parents are not able to basic literacy vandag het, kom weens die use it. According to the Community and numeracy. dopstelsel want ons mense was met Development Worker, the children wyn betaal. (many of the problems with and the youth rarely use it too alcohol abuse today come from a dop because they were not adequately system implemented when people who trained. worked on farms were paid with alcohol In Kliprand, the length of the gravel instead of money.)” road was the feature that cut them Parents and children speak freely off from others. The mothers sighed about the abuse of alcohol and the when sharing all the impediments the effect of Foetal-Alcohol Syndrome road brought to their lives. They used bedevils children’s development and words like: ‘ten duurste” (very costly their ability to succeed in education. transport costs), “kar breek, All communities cried out for ongelukke” (cars break down and 20 additional support for their children to accidents happen), “kraam by die enable them to achieve basic huis” (give birth at home), “een keer ‘n literacy and numeracy. maand R1800 - R2000 tot Vredendal” The second issue of concern is that (once a month we collectively pay none of these communities had a R1800- R2000 to hire a taxi to Vredendal). tarred access road. For example, There is a very real monetary burden the Kliprand community is accessible to be borne in these communities to on an 80km gravel road from the travel anywhere. For example, in

COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS REPORT 16 M ARCH 2021

Kliprand families pay R300 for private DREAMS DEFERRED AND THE transport every weekend for their ETHOS OF CARE children to be transported to High Parents are almost too scared to School. The cost of transportation, for hope and dream for a better life. People living in hospital appointments, from Aurora They spoke with sadness of not these remote or Eendekuil to Piketberg is between realising their full potential and not communities have R300-R400, and R1200 from Rietpoort very modest being able to reach the professions to Vredendal. People living in these they once dreamed of achieving as incomes and some remote communities have very children. They also dreamed of of these costs are modest incomes and some of these simply unaffordable becoming ‘social workers, costs are simply unaffordable which policewomen, educators, nurses, which compromises compromises their rights to education secretaries, magistrates, dentists, their rights to and health, in the examples above. education and community workers, and lawyers.’ health. There is an outcry for support and Parents dream that their children can partnerships with government to achieve this now. Children’s improve the development of the aspirations in Aurora, for example, communities – the infrastructure and included: “polisieman, kantoorman, the people. There is a recognition of maatskaplike werker, prokereur, legacies of the past that caused akteur, bewaarder, dokter, deprivation. A ward councilor Springbok rugbyspeler, lugwaardin, reflects: “op plaasgemeenskappe onderwysers” (policeman, office moes kinders vroeer die skool los dat worker, social worker, lawyer, actor, hulle hul ouers kan help werk van die prison warden, doctor, Springbok rugby huis af (in farming communities children player, air hostess, educators). In left school prematurely to help their Redelinghuys the parents shared that families to survive.)” This led to the children have big dreams, but development backlogs and parents have no money to make their disadvantage. Parents appeal for children’s dreams come true. There is development support: “ek sien nog a sense of hopelessness. niks wat die ‘government’ doen vir ons platteland se skole (in The dignity of adults is further Redelinghuys) soos wat hulle maak vir affected by disrespectful treatment die betalende skole. Vat vir ons aan from service providers. They felt die aan die hand, asseblief. (I do not robbed of agency, stripped of see what government is doing for rural dignity, and had their privacy schools compared to fee-paying schools. violated. Clinics especially, were Please walk hand in hand with us in a talked about as spaces and places journey to development).” where adults felt disrespected. Children also noted the way some Arguably, there is a debt to be paid secondary duty bearers violated their by society to these remote rural rights, especially educators. Children communities and no evidence of the in all the communities the willingness to make these reparations. 21 Commissioner visited reported corporal punishment was still administered in schools. This dehumanizing treatment violates the dignity rights of both parents and children.

COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS REPORT 16 M ARCH 2021

THE WEIGHT OF PARENTING parents express they would like to be RESPONSIBILITIES able to support each other by: “praat oor probleme, bak brood, gemmer- Parents experienced many bier, roosterkoeke, koeksisters” challenges in their roles as primary (talking with each other about their duty bearers of children’s rights. problems, bake bread, gingerbeer Parents in Redelinghuys reflected: koeksisters). There is a high-end shop “kinders luister nie omdat ons nie reg selling homemade products in this praat nie en ouers praat nie mekaar community. However, none of the moed in nie maar baklei met produce comes from the people who mekaar” (children do not listen to us as live in the community. Instead, the we do not talk politely with them and we items all come from established as parents do not encourage each other brands. The Commissioner queried instead we fight with each other). They from the parents whether there is an also confirmed that drug and alcohol opportunity for them to sell local abuse, the effects of poverty, and produce to this shop. violence characterised their lives. In Kliprand the mothers talk about the In Putsekloof and Rietpoort parents existence of a youth club, seniors struggled to keep their children There is an club and women’s service that are indoors away from the dangers in the aspiration to good support systems. Parents in community as they are improve parenting Putsekloof/Rietpoort believe they experimenting with smoking. But practices amongst can support each other by listening others in the group say that children parents across all to each other, asking each other for do as the adults around them do. communities. advice, being a parent to everyone’s There is an awareness that parents child, get help from each other for . model behavior to children and that children’s schoolwork, and not children may grow up to be similar humiliating children by calling them types of parents to what they see. ‘stupid’. Community systems of The Commissioner encouraged support can be valuable for parents and children to affirm unique struggling parents. talents and strengths by Most women are involved in care remembering children have unique work either for others or in their own ‘superpowers’. In Bitterfontein the homes. Fathers are absent from children listed: “omgee, respek, community life, one mother said: “ons dapperheid, waardeur, gevoelens, sê maar hulle werk (let us rather say eerlikheid, vertroue, dankbaar” they are away at work). In Putskloof / (caring, respect, value, feelings, honesty, Rietpoort the mothers and the trust, thankfulness). children say the fathers “het gaan In Redelinghuys children listed the seep koop” (literally translated means following attributes and talents as fathers have gone to buy soap after the superpowers: “houding, vingerprint, child is born which refers to fathers sing, dans, manière, Rugby, Netbal, absenting themselves).” Skaak” (attitude, fingerprint, sing, dance, Employment for men from Kliprand manners, Rugby, Netball, Chess). The includes working on sheep farms, with 22 parents and children understood that the railway, they build sanitation these talents for sport, for example, systems. Whereas, in Putsekloof/ could lead to careers. Rietpoort men are engaged in There was an aspiration to improve season a farm work (sheep and parenting practices amongst some grapes), they are contracted for parents across all communities. In building work. Mothers are the driving Bitterfontein, one mother expressed force in their homes and communities that she would like to be a “goeie and the primary caregivers of ouer” (good parent). In this community children.

COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS REPORT 16 M ARCH 2021

THE POWER OF ONE ACTIVE CITIZEN There was a champion for children such champion said: “Ek is Katerina in almost every community the Swartz (van Eeendekuil) en ek werk Commissioner visited during this pilot saam met die Welsyn. Ek is daar vir initiative. Champions were kindertjies” (I am Katerina Swartz and I sometimes parents (Putsekloof/ work with social services. I am there for Rietpoort), afterschool programme children.) Champions extended leaders (Bitterfontein and themselves to support their Redelinghuys), principals (Eendekuil) communities and help children. a librarian (Aurora), community The Commissioner reiterated that worker (Bergrivier Municipality) and parents are the first legal and moral older children (Kliprand). These duty bearers to realise children’s champions were of great support to rights. It was heartening to see the parents and excellent role models commitment of some parents, for children. especially mothers to their parenting These children’s champions role. However, the invaluable role of encouraged the parents in the other community children rights communities to do better for their champions must be acknowledged. children and supported parents with These champions are an added their responsibilities. For example, in force to make sure children rights are Bitterfontein, a parent group (led by promoted in their communities. one of the mothers who attended our workshop) started a voluntary initiative to support children in after school care programmes with reading and arithmetic. In Aurora, the library assistant was commended by the mothers for her role in making the library a hub of community development and a There was a support to children’s education. One champion for children in almost every community the Commissioner visited during this pilot. .

COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS REPORT 16 M ARCH 2021

CHILDREN AS ACTIVE CITIZENS The Commissioner for Children district, who have the responsibility for conducted these workshops in leading government interventions. remote communities to model The children selected a child children’s participation in representative to work with the governance. The engagements with Commissioner as a Child children, their parents and Government Monitor. These Child government and other service Government Monitors keep the providers created the opportunity to Commissioner connected to the lived refocus on the wellbeing and rights of realities of children in the the child in our society. The communities that she visited. It Commissioner spoke with adults to provides a feedback mechanism for encourage them to fulfill their duty of the Commissioner to report back to care and support towards children. The Commissioner the children. These representatives Children were engaged to share undertook to share also link the children in these remote knowledge and skills for them to the information the communities to other policy and law influence governance. children provided reform process which affect their with the top officials Most of all, the workshops helped lives. Providing the children in these and politicians, in the children realise that their voices were remote communities with the province and in their listened to in relation to their dreams opportunity to influence the decisions respective district, development challenges. They were that affect their lives, by working with who have the provided with an opportunity to the Commissioner’s Office as a responsibility for make recommendations to the platform for their voice. leading government government departments for which

interventions. the Commissioner plays an oversight role. They were assured their voices would count. The Commissioner undertook to share the information the children provided with the top officials and politicians, in the province and in their respective

RIGHT: The Commissioner documenting workshop feedback.

COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS REPORT 16 M ARCH 2021

Lessons Learnt

The pilot of the community child rights The key take home messages of this workshops strategy implemented report are: by the Commissioner for Children  Children should be involved in all yielded the following lessons: decisions affecting their lives.  mechanism for the realities.  Parents should be the primary  Engaging directly with adult champions for children’s rights. community stakeholders models a  Government should build the child rights approach. capacity to consult children as  Providing children with an service delivery beneficiaries. opportunity to feed into  Commissioner for Children’s Office governance affirms them as must be a platform for children’s active citizens. voices to be heard and to make their voices count with decision There are some improvements makers. that need to be made to the implementation model including:  Increasing capacity in the Office of the Commissioner for Children to plan, implement, and report on the community child rights workshops.

 Requesting the Department of Local Government to recruit more fathers to participate in the workshops.

 Including educators as a key stakeholder group in these workshops for delivery on

children’s rights.  Although adolescents are better equipped to act as community representatives, the involvement of both adolescents and younger children in workshops are valued.

COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS REPORT 16 M ARCH 2021

Conclusion The information gathered about government services forms the basis This was the pilot of the Community of advice and recommendations the Child Rights Workshop initiative which Commissioner can provide to will be used a means to achieve government departments. After several of the Commissioner’s powers each series of workshops, the and duties. Commissioner will engage Heads of Departments to share an analysis of the information the Commissioner has This visit enabled the Commissioner to gathered. monitor the impact of government service delivery from the feedback of children and their parents as the users After the visit to the West Coast, the of the services. Documenting service Commissioner for Children beneficiary feedback will be one of recommends that local government the most important hallmarks of these build processes of capacitation to visits to communities. meaningfully involve parents and children in the integrated development plan. The implementation of the The Commissioner was able to recommendation will be tracked by respond immediately to requests for the Western Cape Commissioner for investigation of a matter referred in Children. these workshops. The format of investigation is to contact the Head of Department to make an enquiry of Community Child Rights Workshops a case that requires feedback to a enable the Commissioner to raise parent to child. The sound working awareness of the mandate of her relationships with Heads of office (by disseminating posters), Departments ensures quick responses enables child participation in the to the person making the enquiry. work that she does (children share service impact information), connects children in far flung The workshop is a method to gather communities directly with the office qualitative data from communities of the Commissioner (representatives on the lived experiences of children. of the children’s workshops become These inform research into the Child Government Monitors with character of childhoods in the whom the Commissioner province. communicates with on a weekly basis. Conducting conversations with children and their parents during these workshops, about children’s 26 rights, is a first step in creating awareness and educating society about the legal instruments that promote and protect children’s rights.

COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS REPORT 16 M ARCH 2021

ABOVE: The Commissioner for Children at a parent workshop in Rietpoort.

COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN CHILD RIGHTS WORKSHOPS REPORT 16 M ARCH 2021