Children voice their concerns in parliament

IT is not only Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema causing trouble in parliament these days.

Yesterday, more than 100 children were called to order during the 4th sitting of the Annual Nelson Mandela Children's Parliament.

The children, aged 11 to 17, were calling for a children's ombudsman – chanting "OC" (ombudsman for children) – when Deputy Speaker Solomon Tsenoli called the house to order.

The event was hosted by the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, the Department of Social Development and parliament, with the aim of giving children the chance to speak about how they have experienced the first 20 years of democracy.

The children, chosen by the fund, voiced their concerns about issues including poor education, especially for children with disabilities; sexual violence and abuse; lack of safety in their homes; and alcohol and substance abuse.

Ntombizodwa Sithole, 16, called for the matric pass mark to be increased to 50%.

Others said the police failed to keep children safe.

Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini said parliament would take the children's concerns forward. - Aarti J Narsee