The NPA developed organically after years of struggle and activism in South Africa. During the struggle, the situation in South Africa was nothing short of a war on children. South Africa's children were instrumental in liberation, but they paid a heavy price for their freedom. It was clear that the need to address children's rights was urgent. So a broad movement of children's rights advocates, activists and development workers came together to respond to the worsening conditions for children and women. From this, the NPA developed. Instrumental to the NPA's development was the National Children's Rights Committee (NCRC) - an umbrella organization working with and for children.
At Orlando Stadium in Soweto on 16 June 1994, President Nelson Mandela was presented the outline of the NPA. That day President Mandela pledged his government's commitment to South Africa's children. This pledge meant that the needs of children in South Africa would be paramount - that essentially, children would be "put first."