“The Children’s Amendment Bill:
Age and Consent - Important gaps remain unaddressed”
Webinar

Event Date: Thursday, 18 November 2021

​Venue: Virtual

Duration: 2 hours

Time: 17:30 – 19:30 
On 31 August 2020, the Minister of Social Development introduced the Children’s Amendment Bill [B18 – 2020] in Parliament to amend the Children’s Act, 2005 to:

•Strengthen protection of vulnerable children through coordinated provision of care and protection services;
•Address gaps and challenges in the child care and protection system and identify strategies to address these challenges
•Respond to a High Court order relating to the foster care challenges and provide for a comprehensive legislative system
•The Fund together with other members of the South African public including civil society participated in public hearing to respond to the various issues throughout the Bill.
•Chief among these, were concerns around issues of harmonising the legislation with a particular interest in the issue of consent and definition of a child.

Aim of the Webinar

The Fund together with other members of the South African public including civil society participated in public hearing to respond to the various issues throughout the Bill.
Chief among these, were concerns around issues of harmonising the legislation with a particular interest in the issue of consent and definition of a child. 
The objectives of the forum include:
  • Build allies and amplify the voices of civil society. This speaks to the Fund’s role in advocacy and lobbying
  • Build knowledge and expertise around these issues to inform legislation through strategic partnerships
  • Address and influence government shortfalls in relation to children and youth
  • Create a collaborative environment 

​Meet the Panel

Joanne Joseph: Facilitator of the Webinar
CEO: Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund
Dr Joan van Niekerk: Former Director at Childline and Consultant 
Ms. Khensani Nobanda 
Nedbank Group Executive: Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs