by Joan van Niekerk, Childline SA National Coordinator 

There has been mixed reaction to the 2009 budget speech of Minister Trevor Manual. He has been lauded by many for presenting a budget that balances various interests as well as taking into account the present global recession and its impact on the South African economy.

However from the perspective of the poor, and children, the budget offers little relief from the challenges of their day-to-day existence. Minister Manual opened his speech by noting that the budget had been guided by five enduring principles, the first of which is “protecting the poor”. However what followed in the full content of the speech, offered more to protecting the taxpayer and business – especially small business, rather than the poor.

A variety of organizations have responded to the invitation to comment on the regulations according to their specialized knowledge and work.
Childline has focused most of our comment on Child Protection issues.

PUBLIC HEARINGS OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT ON CHILD JUSTICE BILL [B49-2002]

The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development will be conducting Public Hearings on the Child Justice Bill which aims to protect the rights of children as contemplated in the Constitution and promote the spirit of ubuntu in the child justice system.

Download the Advert 4 Cjb, 13 Dec 07, Press Release -2007 - Child Justice Bill 1 & Child Justice Bill (2008)

Submissions have been made by various organisations regarding the Children's Act Amendment Bill. We have collated these here for your interest.

View submissions

Highlighting issues around the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 in particular issues relating to child witnesses.

Download Order By Bertelsmann J Delivered Today (RULE 16A (3)).

Read Submissions Of Centre For Child Law And Childline Re Bertelsmann Order