Get Mad/Glad

It is a rare thing to find a story that commends courage and inspires so much hope.  Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) therefore awards Sowetan with a GLAD for its story “Pupils Tackle Alcohol Abuse” (22/03/2011 p. 12) which provided children from Soweto with a tangible platform to strongly speak their minds and provide their insights on an important social issue – the negative effects of alcohol abuse. The article tells of a group of South African children taking on a cause to bring about change in their community in a pragmatic, real and earnest way.

In 2010, the group of school children from Winnie Ngwekazi Primary School in Pimville Soweto reportedly launched the Soul Buddyz programme to talk about social issues facing their community. They launched the programme, following the rape and death of a fellow pupil as she left a tavern nearby in 2009. This in turn led to research that revealed there were 12 taverns in the vicinity of the school.

The article highlighted the pupils’ pro-activeness and agency regarding this issue, stating that they recently called a meeting with parents and tavern owners to talk to them about responsible drinking. They then called on parents and tavern owners to take steps to reduce the negative outcomes of drinking and potential harm associated with the presence of taverns in the community, including drunk driving; drink related sexual assaults and the dangers of unprotected sex. For example, the article said the children encouraged their peers “to refrain from parties because a lot of bad things happen at these events.”

The article directly accessed and quoted two children who offered valuable insights. It didn’t diminish their role but rather portrayed them as the informed and determined leaders of change that they are. One statement made by one of the young girls interviewed stands out: “Some laughed at us. I think to them we were just crazy kids talking nonsense. But we know what we want to achieve and that will not deter us from working hard we achieve our goal.”

The child’s statement challenged the misconception that children are helpless or silly, highlighting instead their determination and capacity to effect positive change. It is also in line with MMA’s Editorial guidelines and principles for reporting on children which state that: “By providing children with opportunities to speak for themselves…media professionals can remind the public of children’s rights.”

Lastly, the article also subtly gave rise to the question of why the adults in the community were not the ones to take on these issues in order to protect the children in their community. It indeed begged the question as to why the children were left to fend for and promote safety for themselves and their peers.

MMA is very GLAD about this story, which reveals just how capable and effectual South African children are and can be. It is clear from this article that they are indeed a force for positive change, and are not to be underestimated.

By Melanie Hamman

Sowetan‘s Editor, Len Maseko responded by saying:

“Thanks for reinforcing the message. We commit ourselves to eradicate malpractice with regard to these rights.”