The Constitution of South Africa states that "a child's best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child." It is a guarantee that has far-reaching implications. The "matters" that concern children are extensive - housing, education, electricity, water, sanitation, food, health, peace, to name but a few.
Even though the rights of children are entrenched in the Constitution, the call to "put children first" remains just as urgent today as in the past.
Every year in South Africa, thousands of children die from malnutrition and disease. Almost 25 percent of schools do not have water within walking distance, and 57 percent do not have power. Fewer that half of South African households have running water. Some studies estimate that hundreds of thousands of children between the ages of 10 and 14 are engaged in various forms of child labour. Recently, the number of homeless children has risen dramatically. Among those living on the street, substance abuse, glue-sniffing and prostitution remain a regular part of life.
This environment of poverty, which so many children are directly or indirectly affected by, undermines their well being - particularly in rural areas and informal urban settlements. Because povert is manifested in all sectors, it deserves special attention from a child rights perspective.
The current situation for the country's children leaves little doubt as to whether a programme as comprehensive as the NPA is necessary.