“We as adults, government and civil society are raising the next generation of adults, and we only get one chance to do this. We should not mess this up.”
With those powerful words, Sarah Roberts steps into her new role as the Western Cape’s Commissioner for Children.
Roberts officially stepped into her new role as the province’s second Commissioner for Children on Wednesday 1 October, bringing with her over 30 years of experience.
For the past 14 years, she served as Acting Magistrate in the Family and Children’s Court at the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court.
Roberts succeeds Christina Nomdo, the inaugural Commissioner, and will serve a five-year term.
The Western Cape Commissioner for Children is an independent governance institution mandated to protect and promote the rights, needs and interests of children in the province.
The commissioner works closely with the departments of Education, Health, Social Development, as well as Cultural Affairs and Sport and reports to the Western Cape Legislature on activities, functions and progress on objectives.
The institution plays a vital role in amplifying children’s perspectives, influencing policy decisions, and holding the government accountable for the services provided to children in the Western Cape.
In an interview with People’s Post, Roberts said her first day in office felt like starting high school.
“I was very stressed, felt like a Grade 8 going to high school for the first time. But after settling in and meeting the staff I am really excited for this new chapter in my life.
“I know that it will take me some time to find my feet and to want to be able to use this platform to better the lives of the children of the Western Cape. So, I am ready.”
Roberts expressed her readiness to take on the role and make a meaningful impact.
“A huge problem facing children is legal documents, or the lack thereof. Children without birth certificates are such a problem in the Western Cape. I do understand that it does not fall directly under the mandate of the Children’s Commissioner, but I want to try and help by cultivating and strengthening strategic relationships with these additional departments and other organisations providing services to children to ensure a comprehensive and collaborative approach to child welfare.”
She believes more children should be out on the sports field, not the streets.
“Sport is also very important to me and if we can get children away from the streets onto sports fields, maybe then we can give them alternatives to getting into gangs or getting into trouble with the law.”
Roberts said the office of the Children’s Commissioner is currently under-resourced with only two permanent employees and two additional staff members on contract.
Roberts emphasised the importance of the office to be fully and appropriately resourced to “make an impact and fulfil its mandate”.
“This means not only an increase in the number of personnel but also ensuring that these positions are filled with individuals possessing the necessary expertise and experience to navigate the complex and sensitive issues surrounding children’s rights and well-being.”
She said her immediate priority will be to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the “staffing needs of the office”.
“This will involve identifying crucial positions that are currently vacant and then working to secure the necessary funding and approvals to recruit qualified professionals.”
Roberts believes her legal background will be beneficial to her. “In the Children’s Court I dealt directly with families and a child has a voice in a Children’s Court. So, listening to what a child has to say, is what defines a Children’s Court from other Courts.
“I believe that I therefore have an understanding as to the issues parents and children struggle with.
”I also have some insight into what hampers services delivery by government departments to families and children.”
The commissioner believes protecting children is a collective responsibility.
“Children are so precious and need to be protected. But we all need to work together to give a child a future. Children themselves must also remember that they have age appropriate responsibilities.”
