Cabinet NSAAC approval a pivotal step for adolescent development in SA 

The Zero Dropout Campaign welcomes Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni’s announcement today that Cabinet has approved the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC) and the fifth National Plan of Action for Children 2025-2030 (NPAC).  

The development of the NSAAC has been a multi-year initiative to ensure that the rights, privileges, and access to services and opportunities promised to all South Africans through our policies and legislation become a reality for children and adolescents.  

The National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children  

The NSAAC is a high-level, shared vision aimed at improving the wellbeing and life outcomes of all children and adolescents in South Africa. The strategy is based on pioneering policies such as the Global Strategy on Adolescence, to strengthen existing government programmes and improve collaboration with civil society and the private sector. 

This strategy will help align existing national frameworks, such as the Department of Health’s approved Policy on Adolescents and the comprehensive Population Development Policy. It will also bolster international aspirations outlined by initiatives such as The Global Leaders Network for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

The case for ‘adolescent’ inclusion 

During the NSAAC’s development, numerous organisations advocated for the explicit inclusion and provision for adolescents.  

According to Statistics South Africa, 17.4% (approximately 10.7 million) of South Africa’s population are adolescents, typically 10 to 19-year-old children. This is a demographic that experts argue is too large and differing in its development experiences and needs for it to be conflated into broader terms and demographics, such as ‘children’. Differentiating adolescents is a necessary policy approach to ensure that their unique developmental needs are considered and catered to where possible.  

Conclusion 

During her announcement, Minister Ntshavheni stated: “The strategy emphasises collaboration and shared responsibility to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.” We are excited to work on this with government at every level and their stakeholders to develop robust policies and initiatives to ensure a prosperous future for our children, adolescents, and country. 

Adolescence is a formative and defining phase in people’s lives, and the NSAAC will provide South Africa with a roadmap to make a meaningful difference in the provision and access of critical education, health, and safety resources for millions of young South Africans.  

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The NSAAC and NAPC are available via the Department of Social Development 

For more information or to arrange interviews, contact Colin Wardle on +27 73 326 0834 or via email on colin@zerodropout.co.za.