South African Children: a history of adversity, violence and trauma

This paper examines the adverse situation that continues to face South Afri can children. Children have until very recently, been regarded as one of th e most neglected and overtly oppressed sectors of South African society. Th e installation of a democratic government ushered in a range of policies an d measures designed to promote the wellbeing of children. Despite this new commitment and support, the position of children has remained one of consid erable concern. In this paper we report on a range of social, educational, health and psychological indicators of the wellbeing of South African child ren both before and after the 1994 elections. Although there is a dearth of systematic and national data-bases, a growing number of research and other reports indicate that the country remains a challenging and at times hosti le context for its children. As the country proceeds with its reconstructio n and development programme, the urgent need for social and psychological s ervices for children remains a particular concern.