Dear Editor
The Department of the Premier revealed through a written reply to a DA parliamentary question that the office of the Children’s Commissioner has appointed 169 child government monitors throughout the Western Cape province.
The child-government monitors have taken part in a variety of initiatives and made considerable submissions on the Children’s Amendment Bill. These submissions have provided the National Government and Parliament with the viewpoint of the children whom the Bill would directly affect. Earlier in 2022, submissions were also made to the Western Cape Provincial Parliament on the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill.
Since its establishment, the office of the Children’s Commissioner has held 25 community workshops in various towns throughout the province, according to the information provided by the Department. The Matzikama, Bergrivier, Hessequa, George, and Bitou municipalities are some of the locations where these workshops were conducted.
The provincial fiscus provides funding for the Western Cape Children’s Commissioner, which also includes child government monitors, with the Department of the Premier providing the Commissioner with administrative support.
I commend the Premier’s Department for assuring that this office has the necessary support to carry out its duties in support of the province’s children. The DA-run Western Cape has proven that it remains committed to advancing children’s rights and enabling their participation in government processes.
Regards
Christopher Fry, MPP
DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Premier and Constitutional Matters
