What the Western Cape is looking for in its first Children’s Commissioner

The Western Cape is preparing to open up a new vacancy for a Children’s Commissioner, someone whose duty will be to cater to the interests of our country’s future.

The DA-led province has identified the need of a representative whose mandate will be centred around the public service affairs of children.

Currently, the Western Cape, much like other provinces, has a problem with increasing levels of juvenile detention.

While Cape Town’s performance in education thrives compared to the rest of the country, there are still issues that need to be addressed to safeguard the future of South Africa’s children.

Therefore, according to the provincial Ministry of Social Development, an advert will be published soon “calling for public nominations of suitable persons to fill the position of Western Cape Children’s Commissioner.”

What is the role of a Children’s Commissioner?

Gillion Bosman, Social Development’s spokesperson, revealed that the duty of the Children’s Commissioner will be to:

• protecting and promoting the interests of children in the province;
• monitor, investigate, research and lobby on issues and policy that have an impact on children;
• upholding the rights of children; and
• ensure that crime and its impact on children and issues of children’s safety are addressed.

The vacancy was created by the provincial government in line with the Children Act 2 of 2019 which, according to Bosman is “the first of its kind in the entire country and the first at provincial level.”

Who are the targeted candidates?

The Western Cape Provincial Parliament has outlined the preliminary requirements for the appointment of the Children’s Commissioner.

The process involves public nominations, thus there are currently no preferred candidates or favourites for this position.

What are the criteria?

Much of the criteria needed to attract an interview for this position will be outlined in the advert once it has been published.

However, the provincial government has made it clear that the person who assumes this position will not be aligned to any political party or organisation.

Having an independent person holding such a crucial position will, according to Bosman, ensure that the needs of the children are prioritised over the interests of any and all affiliations.

“We urge members of the public who meet the criteria to apply, once the adverts go out, to ensure we get this office up and running to promote the well-being of all children across the province as a matter of urgency,” Bosman said.