Public will have final say
Mandate of the children’s commissioner being discussed
WHILE public hearings on the appointment of a children’s commissioner in the Western Cape are under way, politicians say they will be guided by the public on how exactly the commissioner will get things done.
Last month, the legislature’s standing committee on the premier and constitutional matters was briefed by the Department of the Premier on the Commissioner for Children Bill.
The committee was in George for a public meeting yesterday.
Committee chairperson Daylin Mitchell said: “I cannot express a view on what the commissioner should do. This is why we have gone to a public-participation process. Once we know and hear the needs of our communities, then we can formulate the inner workings. The committee also has to consider all the information before us.”
The commissioner for children is duty-bound to report to the provincial legislature annually on measures taken by the provincial government to protect and promote the interests of children in the Western Cape.
The office has the power to fulfil this function through monitoring, investigating, researching, educating, lobbying, advising and reporting on issues relating to children.
About R4.5 million has been proposed for the commissioner’s office, of which R1.5m will be for salaries and R3m for the establishment of the office.
Mitchell said the role is assisting in protecting and promoting interests of children in areas including health services, education, welfare services, recreation, amenities and sport. “The children’s commissioner’s role is to advance the sound social development of children in the Western Cape, ensuring the rights of children are upheld and protected.”
After taking office in 2009, Premier Helen Zille promised a children’s commissioner.
ANC MPL Cameron Dugmore said pressure from the ANC and civil society has finally resulted in a decision to appoint someone.
“It’s hearing suggestions and proposals from the public, the DA Premier promised in 2009 and then tried to make the commissioner discretionary, our pressure in Legislature and in community has finally brought us to the final stages of getting this bill passed.”
Previously, Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence’s Valdi van Reenen said the bill gave little power to the commissioner. She said the commissioner should be independent, as any interference will make it difficult. She also said the office needs more power.