An integrated National Primary School Nutrition Programme was implemented in most provinces in 1994, within the first 100 days following the inception of the new democratic government. The nutritional programmes in schools are an attempt to combat malnutrition and to help meet one of the basic needs of the child. Adequate nutrition does contribute to, in addition to physical development, cognitive and intellectual performance of the child. More schools have been built to accommodate children, some of whom were previously taught under the trees, not because of overall lack of accommodation, but because of discriminatory laws in education. South Africa has lately experienced escalation in violence in schools.
Violence takes place among teachers, teachers and students, and students themselves.
The violence prevention program, which has been introduced recently as a pilot project, focuses on training teachers and students in social skills and in anger management. The promotion of mental health of children and the prevention of mental health-related problems cannot be the responsibility of the Department of Health alone. The RDP framework seems to be the best tool to get various governmental departments to focus on addressing the mental health needs of children. Currently there is an increase in the commitment to meet the mental health needs of children in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. ChildCare Amendment Act, 1991.