Childrens Commissioner WC

10/11/2025

We are pleased to share our latest learning brief on Secure Care Facilities in the Western Cape.

The Western Cape Commissioner for Children (WCCC) conducted monitoring visits to all secure care Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs) across the province between July and August 2024, following our 2023 baseline study on alternative care. These centres accommodate approximately 624 children each year, including children in conflict with the law and those in need of care and protection.

Our visits focused on:
✔️ Realisation of children’s rights
✔️ Quality of care and daily living
✔️ Infrastructure and facility environment
✔️ Programmes and support services offered

This learning brief highlights children’s lived experiences in these facilities and offers recommendations to strengthen care, safety, and rights protection.

Click on the link below to read the full learning brief.

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/childrens-commissioner/resources

05/11/2025

Yesterday, the Childrens Commissioner WC and her team had the honour to attend the launch of the South African Child Gauge 2025. The report provides critical evidence on the state of children in South Africa and highlights priority areas requiring collective action. The focus of this year's edition is the intersections of violence against women and children.

We welcome this year’s findings and will integrate the insights into our ongoing work to monitor, promote, and protect children’s rights in the Western Cape. Collaboration across sectors remains essential to ensuring that all children are able to survive, develop, and thrive.

We commend the Children's Institute, University of Cape Town and its partners who contributed to this important publication.

03/11/2025

And just like that, it has been a month since I became the Western Cape Commissioner for Children.

The first month has been busy between office admin and getting to know the different departments, attending workshops and planning for the next twelve months.

Building relationships between my office and all stakeholders is very important to me, and I had the opportunity to attend workshops and community-based meetings, which gave me some insight into the lives of the children in our province. We attended workshops by The Brave Movement, Planet Youth and Gender Norms research Validation Workshop. Although all these workshops provide valuable data, one must always remember, as one speaker said: "Behind every data point is a beating heart"

In the next month or two, I will do unannounced visits to various Child and Youth Care Centres around the Western Cape and will continue to engage with community-based teams.





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23/10/2025

PUBLIC STATEMENT: Childrens Commissioner WC Sarah Roberts speaks on violence against children.

06/10/2025

We’re excited to introduce our new series, Children’s Rights Unpacked! This child-friendly educational series explores the rights of children in an easy-to-understand way. Join our Child Government Monitors as they break down the articles of the UNCRC, focusing on protection, provision, and participation rights.

Click the link below to watch the first episode.

https://youtu.be/VQxebMNh9PE?si=Gxl7lBNhq2um__b0

03/10/2025

READ: "From magistrate to children's champion: Sarah Roberts' mission to amplify children's voices in Western Cape"

As published by IOL/Weekend Argus

https://iol.co.za/weekend-argus/2025-10-02-from-magistrate-to-childrens-champion-sarah-roberts-mission-to-amplify-childrens-voices-in-western-cape/


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From 14 years witnessing child trauma in Children's Court to becoming Western Cape's new Commissioner for Children, Sarah Roberts is determined to create community-based platforms where neglected children's voices can finally be heard and acted upon.

01/10/2025

PRESS STATEMENT: Sarah Roberts formally assumes office as the new and second Western Cape Commissioner for Children

Today marks a significant milestone for the protection and promotion of children’s rights
in the Western Cape, as Sarah Roberts officially assumes office as the province’s
second Commissioner for Children. Roberts succeeds Christina Nomdo, the inaugural
Commissioner, and will serve a five-year term.

04/09/2025

CONGRATULATIONS to Sarah Helena Roberts for being appointed as the new Childrens Commissioner WC. Premier Alan Winde officially handed Mrs. Roberts her letter of appointment today.

31/07/2025

WATCH: The River Journey, also known as “As the Years Go By”, is a story of the first term of the Western Cape Commissioner for Children; the five years of learning, challenges and innovations.






Children's Institute, University of Cape Town

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30/07/2025

We conclude the campaign with the River Journey. Also known as “As the Years Go By”, this is a story of the first term of the Western Cape Commissioner for Children; the five years of learning, challenges, and innovation. Using the river as a metaphor, the story of the WCCC begins in 2020 when Commissioner Christina Nomdo worked alone on virtual platforms for eight months from her dining room table.

The office was a pioneering initiative in the province and the country. Commissioner Christina Nomdo navigated the uncharted territory with determination and vision, achieving significant milestones in the children's rights sector. The challenges faced by the office were numerous and complex. The COVID-19 pandemic also posed significant challenges.

However, despite these hurdles, the office made significant strides in addressing issues and promoting a child-rights-based approach in the Western Cape province.

Click on the link below to watch the River Journey

https://youtu.be/13784jyKsOE

01/07/2025

We conclude our feature on impact stories with insights from Cai, Imaan, Cameron, Layla, and Wardah. These young child human rights defenders share how the office has positively influenced their lives.

Cai discovered the power of child participation in decision-making, gaining valuable skills to advocate for children's rights and influence policy. Imaan found hope and purpose, learning that standing up against injustice begins with believing in the possibility of change. Cameron found a second home in the office, surrounded by understanding and non-judgmental people. For Layla, joining the office was the best decision she ever made; serving as a CGM expanded her mindset and boosted her confidence. Wardah learned that small voices can indeed shape significant decisions.

24/06/2025

Whether raising awareness from afar, finding the courage to speak up, or standing boldly for justice, these girls who are child advisors in the office have been transformed through their journeys with the Western Cape Commissioner for Children. Zoey joined from afar but still made a powerful impact, while Kristin transformed from shy to confident, and Jonay found the courage to advocate for children's rights.