15 Jun 2022

This year’s African Child’s Day commemoration seeks to gauge progress made by governments to safeguard children from harmful practices through policies such as the Children's Act, Penal Code and Affiliation Proceedings Act. 

The national commemoration scheduled for Lerala today is held under the theme: Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children: Progress on Policy and Practice, since 2013. 

“The theme is mainly emphasising doing away with harmful practices, some of which are even cultural or lifestyle-related. It is to safeguard the interest of the children,” said Palapye Administrative Authority principal social welfare officer, Ms Nametso Kokoro in an interview. 

Touching on issues affecting children in particular the host administrative area, she mentioned defilement, poor parenting, rape and child marriages, noting that the day would give all an opportunity to reflect on such. 

As part of activities planned for the day, Palapye Administrative Authority senior welfare Officer Ms Phatsimo Taolo said they would begin with a march from Lerala Primary School grounds to the village kgotla, where events would be centred. 

Additionally, she said attendees would also have an opportunity to tour the stalls by stakeholders who deal with children’s issues, among them, the Department of Public Prosecution, Palapye District Health Management Team, Department of Youth, Department of Gender Affairs, as well as Social and Community Development office. 

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Kgotla Autlwetswe is expected to deliver a keynote address. 

Other speakers expected are representatives from Childline and National Children's Consultative Council. 

Before the day’s commemoration, Ms Taolo said a panel discussion was held around the theme, where panellists discussed issues affecting children. 

During the discussions, she said the children also had an opportunity to voice their issues of concern. 

Since June 16, 1971, the African Child’s Day has been recognised throughout the world and commemorated annually. 

This followed the murder of more than 20 000 South African students, who took to the streets of Soweto township demanding to be taught in their own language. ends