Limpopo Provincial Government champions National Children’s Day
MAKGWABE
The Limpopo Provincial Government has on Saturday 2 November 2024, celebrated the National Children’s Day at Makgwabe Community Hall outside Jane Furse in Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM).
The event was commemorated under the theme: “Every child’s right to healthcare, protection, and education.”
The National Children’s Day is an annual event that aims to create awareness about the basic rights of children to life, shelter and nutrition as laid out in Section 28 of the South African Constitution.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the Premier, MEC for Health in Limpopo, Dieketseng Mashego, said the day has become a beloved tradition in the country, which is dedicated to recognizing and honouring every child’s right to healthcare, protection and education.
“The National Children’s Day is not just an event on the calendar, it is a testament to our commitment as a nation to protect and nurture our children. It is a day to reaffirm our role as protectors and advocates for children’s rights. As we celebrate today, let us remind ourselves of the theme,” she said.
The MEC stressed that the purpose of the celebration was also to protect children from any form of maltreatment, neglect and exploitation, urging the public to exercise their responsibility to fulfil these promises and to work tirelessly to provide a safe and nurturing environment for every child.
“The National Children’s Day is not just about reflection, it is about taking meaningful steps forward. Across South Africa, community organizations will be holding events to assist children who are in need. These initiatives may provide warm meals, vouchers for basic essentials, or activities that simply allow children to experience the joy and wonder of childhood,” she said.
Mashego stressed that there is a need for workshops to teach children about their human rights, their responsibilities and the value of sustainable living.
“By fostering this knowledge, we empower our children to become aware, responsible citizens who understand their worth and their power to make a difference,” she said.
Outlining the three elements that must be provided to ensure a bright future for every child, Mashego stated that a child who feels loved grows with a sense of belonging and security.
“Love teaches them self-control and compassion, and it lays the foundation for a peaceful, respectful society. As parents, caregivers, and community members, we must create nurturing environments that are filled with love and acceptance,” she said.
Mashego added that safety is a basic right and necessity for a child’s growth, adding that when children feel safe, they learn how to respect and treat others well.
“Unfortunately, by the time many of our children turn sixteen, a third of them have experienced some form of physical or sexual abuse. This is a staggering statistic that must drive us to take action. Let us educate our children about their right to safety and empower them to recognize people who truly care for their well-being,” emphasized the MEC.
She informed that good health is the foundation of every child’s potential, whereby, a healthy child can grow, learn and achieve.
“Let us remind ourselves of the importance of maternal health. Mothers must avoid harmful substances like alcohol during pregnancy, as this can significantly impact a child’s development. Protecting our children’s health starts from birth, and it is our responsibility to make sure they are given the best possible start,” she said.
In conclusion, Mashego said the National Children’s Day is not just a celebration and rather it is a call to action, a call to protect, to nurture and to uplift every child in South Africa.
“Let us go forward from today as champions for children. Let us be the ones who help them grow, who help them learn and who help them thrive. Because in securing their future, we are also securing the future of our nation,” she said.
