Click here to find the full text of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and simpler explanations at the Unicef site here: www.unicef.org/crc/

Click here to find the African Charter on the Rights of the Child.

The Department of Social Development – www.dsd.gov.za

This Government Department gives social grants and other help to vulnerable people such as the very poor, unemployed, orphaned, disabled or elderly. It is the first place to go for long-term help for a family like the one in the story. There are offices all over the country, and they work with other organisations such as NGOs and church groups.

Childline – www.childlinesa.org.za

This organisation works “to protect children from all forms of violence and to create a culture of children’s rights”. In one of its programmes, trained counsellors answer a free phone line. Children who need help can call any time of day or night. Here is the number: 080 005 5555

Child Welfare South Africa (CWSA) – www.childwelfaresa.org.za

This large organisation represents more than 263 other organizations that work in the fields of child protection and child and family care and development. They have offices in all the nine provinces.

The Centre for Child Law – www.centreforchildlaw.co.za/children/your-rights

This Centre in Pretoria University “contributes towards establishing and promoting the best interests of children in our community through education, research, advocacy and litigation.” They have a poster specially written in child-friendly language that explains all the child rights. Click here.

Resources Aimed at the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (RAPCAN) – www.rapcan.org.za/home/

This organisation works to promote the rights and protection of children in South Africa and the region. They have produced several child-friendly booklets on rights for children.

SOS Children’s Villages – www.sosvillages.org.za

This is a non-profit organisation that, “build families for orphaned and abandoned children. Eight to ten children are cared for in small family-type homes, the SOS families, and are raised like brothers and sisters.”

There are many organisations that are involved in the protection of human rights generally in South Africa. Click here to view these organisations’ contact details.