We proposed a governing body ( https://youtu.be/qnxlX6kruQc)  to investigate the items mentioned in our agenda, some items were covered in the send agenda by the DM himself.

• It was mentioned by the DM that there are a lack of competency and complaints addressed to the Magistrates Commission that are not entertained should be forwarded to him, who assured us he will personally get involved in complaints against Magistrates.. The DM did not deny problems in the Magistrates Courts,
• The Newly appointed Chief Family advocate Nthabiseng Thokoane who was present also substantiated our complaints that there is a lack of competency in some Childrens Courts which she witnessed herself while in practice, since Family Law is a highly specialised field.
• All LPC complaints are to be sent to Judge Desai ( Office of the Legal Ombudsman – apparently his office is operational since we send the agenda;  although he was appointed in 2018, they will forward us the details. (His office was not operational and none of our complaints were answered by the LPC) , the DM mentioned to be personally involved in any unresolved complaints against the LPC and legal Practitioners, where the Ombudsman fails.
• Apparently, what we found surprising is that the Western Cape – has a Childrens Ombudsman against the backdrop of the equality clause that is in the Constitution , so why is the Western Cape that would take notice and act on child protection while other provinces are not taking this into consideration, The DM mentioned it took 20 years for the Western Cape to put that into practise,. Our main concern is that since we are in a democratic state that indicates inequality within this country, and we see it as problematic that one province can this recourse while the rest of the 8 provinces are lacking, and not practicing in the same manner. In essence this means not every child is equal in front of the law, because all provinces should have taken it as a precedent to have an ombudsman.
• There is a lot that is happening behind the scenes suddenly, The Human Rights Commission has a new CEO this would also highlight what is happening in the Presidency in terms of developing a child’s rights corner.
• The DM also welcomed and requested the information we have regarding trafficking in children and want to Act on this at the soonest.

We look forward to continuing working with the Department and welcome the DM intervention,  in improving the Rights of Vulnerable Citizens – and the improvement of Human Rights.
As an organization we applaud the DM in the input from civil society and the time he offered us, we are privileged to work with a minister who is willing to listen to ground level problems and his undertaking to address it.
That is how government should function and we are committed to work with the Deputy Minister to effect change.