Children should be given a voice.
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) notes with concern a missed opportunity (MOP)[1] by GroundUp to access children’s voices on a significant event that concerns children in Limpopo. On this occasion, a school for the blind is nearly set to be done and opened soon. Reportedly in June 2021, a R168-million tender to rebuild the school was awarded to Clear Choice Builders. Date of completion was set at 17 June 2024. The new school is to include staff offices, hostels, houses for hostel managers, a recreational area, a dining hall, kitchen, administration block, two classroom blocks with 17 classrooms, two toilet blocks, and a workshop and laboratory.
The article titled, “New school for blind learners is nearly ready at last” (27/08/2024) details the reasons for the delay of the school, the working conditions when GroundUp visited the construction site, the timeline of the payments and events behind the delay of the school and this is good because it gives the readers an insight of what has been delaying the completion of the school. However, this matter involves children, and their views and anticipation are important in this case. Considering this is a great initiative that caters for a small population of blind children, it is essential that children’s voices are accessed. These exchanges might have shed light on the value of representation, inclusivity, and what it means to them having been accommodated considering their disabilities.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which South Africa adopted in 1995, encourages children’s voices and participation in events that affect them. Article 3 of the UNCRC[2] emphasizes the right of children “In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.” Similarly, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)[3] supports the UNCRC’s principles reinforcing the importance of promoting and protecting children’s rights, including their right to take part in decision-making processes. These legislatives emphasize the duty of journalists to provide children a voice and a platform, especially on occasions such as this nearly set-to-open school for the blind.
MMA encourages journalists to recognize the importance of amplifying children’s voices in media coverage, particularly in events that directly affect their lives. By adhering to the legal frameworks outlined in the Constitution, international agreements like the UNCRC, and the mandate of bodies such as the SAHRC, journalists can play a vital role in promoting inclusivity, representation, and respect for children’s rights. Specifically, Clause 14 of the Press Code[4] emphasizes “in the spirit of Section 28.2 of the Bill of Rights the media shall:
8.1 exercise exceptional care and consideration when reporting about children”, urging journalists to prioritize their best interests and ensure their views are taken into account in matters that affect them. Embracing children’s perspectives not only enriches media stories but also fosters a more fair and democratic society where every voice is valued and heard”.
MMA looks forward to engaging with GroundUp on more stories that are of great ethical journalism concerning children and encourages GroundUp to keep on covering more stories on children.
Written by Siphokazi Pikoko
Edited by Ntombifuthi Kubeka