From the first contact of colonialism and slavery, Africa was in a constant state of turmoil. Below is a list of events that followed and forever changed the fate of our children.

The diamond and gold rush

Apartheid and the resistance, followed by the Sharpeville killings (see foot note below) massive violation of human rights, including detention with-out trial, which resulted in mysterious deaths (or shall I say murders) of some of the greatest freedom fighters in South African history.

The eventual dismantling of apartheid which led to the eminent release of Mr. Nelson Mandela


After gaining political freedom in 1994 we said: “Free at last”. Free from the minority oppression and domination that ripped the heart and soul from millions of black South Africans.

This heralded a new beginning, the Rebirth of our nation. Never in our wildest dreams could we visualize, as a young democracy, the daunting challenges that we would face, with in our new dispensation. The displacement of huge quantities of people (GROUP AREAS ACT) resulted in the breakdown of economies and the dismantling of the family and community support systems. Our new government inherited huge debts from the previous regime, along with all the baggage incurred during Apartheid, namely:

High unemployment rates

Non-existent social welfare support

Changing parenting patterns

High levels of domestic violence

Low levels of education

High dropout rates at schools

Lack of effective safety and protection services

The breakdown of family structures.

i think that the issue of child labour should be given a permanent solution, taking into consideration the areas of costs and benefits.