Minority voices heard: Child participation in environmental decision-making in South Africa

Abstract

In this article we explore the significance, complexities, and potential of child participation in environmental decisionmaking by juxtaposing Greta Thunberg's activism and the Cape Town water crisis in South Africa. Although child participation in environmental activism, as exemplified by Thunberg, has gained global prominence, it remains underexplored in South Africa. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child emphasises the right of children to participate in decisions affecting their lives, yet the practical implementation of this right varies widely. In South Africa, legal frameworks such as the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, and the Children's Act 38 of 2005 provide a basis for child participation but often fall short, especially in environmental decision-making. Using the example of Thunberg's global activism, we attempt to illustrate the transformative potential of child-led activism, and argue that similar approaches could benefit children's participation in a local context, such as during the Cape Town water crisis in 2017-2018. Thunberg's bold actions, including filing a complaint with the United Nations, demonstrate what children can achieve through activism. In contrast, the Cape Town water crisis lacked meaningful involvement with children, thus missing out on potentially innovative solutions. We conclude with recommendations to improve children's participation in environmental decision-making in South Africa, including through policy interventions, institutional reforms, educational initiatives, and community-based campaigns. Embracing child participation could not only bring fresh perspectives to environmental challenges, but also ensure a more inclusive, democratic and sustainable future for South Africa and beyond