Exploring public participation as a vehicle for child participation in governance : a view from South Africa

Systematic child participation in governance decision-making has been slow to develop, and full realisation of the rights protected in Art. 12(1) of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, lags behind. This article explores alternative avenues for realising children's participation in governance, by analysing the legal protection of non-electoral forms of public participation, internationally as well as nationally in South Africa. The author provides a case study of the South African law, which arguably supports the inclusion of children's views in governance processes, through their involvement in public participation.