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Childrens Parliament - Gauteng PRESS RELEASE
NELSON MANDELA CHILDRENS PARLIAMENT ON LEADERSHIP, GAUTENG
20 MAY 2008 We the children and young people of Gauteng have in this first NELSON MANDELA CHILDREN`S PARLIAMENT on leadership have, through discussion and debate learned many things about the conditions and circumstance of children and young people in our province. As a well resourced province we in Gauteng still experience social problems and challenges like poverty, inequality, HIV and AIDS, crime and other social ills. We acknowledge that while the material conditions of children and young people in the country has improved since freedom, not enough attention is given to this sector today. Since the signing of the UNCRC in 1995, not enough programmes of information and education in homes, schools and communities have taken place. It is not enough to engage in advertising programmes on a child rights without direct educational programmes. Young people themselves should be working in these programmes to bring greater understanding of issues rights and responsibilities. There should be more programmes to educate adults in this regard. Child rights are not about children alone. It is our view that there is not balance social redress of the conditions that our government is largely engaged in. This has set back the gains young people and children. Leadership in our democracy is mainly into the power gain and this affects the way society sees itself. Even the media and popular television and "musical" follow the same path. We need a child friendly environment to grow in and not the power games of leaders who do not show attention to the needs of 42% of the population which is under 18 years of age. We would like to see a greater opportunity for children and young people to participate in the issues that affect us. Therefore, we ask leadership at all levels, parents, teachers, community leaders and government to play a more direct and effective in our lives so that we may become proud citizens of our country with clear responsibilities to make contributions to a better life for all young people in our province and country. We draw attention to the sad events of xenophobia in our province and country and appeal to leadership and to communities to respect the rights of all human beings especially the rights of children. Leadership of the Parliament
Leader of the house: Mohau Mokoatle
Deputy leader of the house: Thabiso Bhaleni
Leader of the opposition: Joy Elias
Deputy leader of the opposition: Kelefang Shuping
Speaker in parliament: Princess Manqele
Deputy speaker: Thabo Ramaine
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