BANA PELE
CHILDREN FIRST
ABANTWANA KU QALA
KINDERS EERSTE
Introduction
The Gauteng Provincial Government recognizes that South African children are our country's most precious resource and the foundation for the building of a caring and prosperous nation. It further notes that to flourish and grow, children need an environment in which they can play and learn, explore and laugh, build friendships, loved and be cared for.
They have amongst other basic rights, the following: the right to education, recreational facilities, adequate nutrition, proper shelter, peace, good health, the right to protection from poverty, disease, abuse, exploitation, suffering, neglect, violence and hatred.
Working towards a province fit for all children, the Provincial Government further recognises that there are children who are less fortunate who require special attention. In this regard, it has introduced a "Single Window" for the poorest and vulnerable children.
Premier Mbhazima Shilowa announced the package during the opening of the Gauteng Legislature on 21 February 2005 saying that all children eligible to receive the Child Support Grant are now entitled to free health care at clinics and hospitals, free screening for the early detection of disabilities and special needs as well as free psycho-social support by social workers.
Children who attend schools in the poorest communities will also be exempted from paying school fees and will receive free meals at school. Those going into Grade 1 will receive free school uniforms . Local entrepreneurs will become the preferred suppliers of school uniforms and feeding, thereby providing further income to poor communities.
Government will continue to provide free and safe scholar transport to those learners who live more than 5 km away from the nearest school. All buses and taxis used by government to ferry learners have and will continue to be tested to ensure that our kids are not exposed to dangers associated with the use of unroadworthy vehicles. Such testing will in future be carried out annually and upon renewal of contracts.
While many of the services to be provided through the single window are not new, more children will benefit from the extension of the programme and particularly from the integrated approach to identifying, referring and tracking beneficiaries and the establishment of a common database of children in need in our province. Such information will also be made available to municipalities to incorporate into their indigent policies.
Who qualifies for Bana Pele
All children between the ages of 0-6 in Gauteng get access to free Primary Health Care (PHC) at clinics and hospitals run by the Department of Health.
Children between the ages of 7 and 14 get access to free Primary Health Care at clinics. All needy children whose parents or foster parents qualify for a social grant, will receive either the Child Support Grant or Foster Child Grant from the Department of Social Development. This is dependent on a means test, as defined by the Social Assistance Act.
Children who are in grade one in schools designated as Quintile1 by the Department of Education receive a free uniform in their first year of school. They also receive the benefits of a school feeding scheme, and exemption from schools fees.
Children in schools not designated as Quintile 1 schools may apply for and receive school fees exemptions, however this is dependent on a means test, as defined by the Governing Body of the school. Children who live further that 5 kilometres from their school may apply for scholar transport, via the Principal of their school. There are specific guidelines for access to this service.
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PRINCIPLES:
PUT CHILDREN FIRST
In all actions related to children the best interest of the child, shall be the primary consideration
CONSULTATION
You should be consulted about the Bana Pele programme
SERVICE STANDARDS
You should be told what level and quality of services you will receive so that you are aware of what to expect
ACCESS
All children should have equal access to services to which they are entitled
COURTESY
You should be treated with courtesy, consideration and respect
INFORMATION
You should be given full, accurate information about the services you are entitled to receive
OPENNESS AND TRANSPARENCY
You should be told how Bana Pele is run, how much it costs, and who is in charge.
REDRESS
If the promised standard of service is not delivered, you should be offered an apology, a full explanation and a speedy and effective remedy. When complaints are made, you should receive a sympathetic, positive response
PARTICIPATION
All children have a right to be heard and to participate in the affairs that affect their well-being
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