18 Jun 2026

Learners from Kweneng schools and community members gathered at the Lentsweletau Service Centre on June 16, braving cold weather to commemorate the Day of the African Child.
The annual event honours the bravery of South African learners who protested against Afrikaans instruction in 1976. This year it also drew attention to ongoing challenges facing African children, particularly access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education Nono Kgafela-Mokoka said the 1976 learners' courage served as a reminder of government’s duty to protect and empower every child.
She tied that duty to this year’s theme: Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.
"African children continue to face grave challenges such as sexual exploitation and abuse, extreme poverty, armed conflict, lack of access to education and health care, and climate change-induced drought,” Ms Kgafela-Mokoka said.
She noted that the theme forced governments and child rights actors to confront realities and act to protect children from harm.
Ms Kgafela-Mokoka emphasised that providing water, sanitation and hygiene is a binding legal obligation, not optional charity.
“Access to water, sanitation and  hygiene is not merely a development goal. It is a right enshrined in the African Charter on the rights and welfare of the child. Without clean water, safe sanitation and proper hygiene, children cannot survive, learn or thrive.”
The minister highlighted government gains in public health and infrastructure since the early 1980s, including improved water access, pandemic hygiene measure and menstrual equity.
However, she acknowledged challenges, saying some schools and hostels still had dilapidated sanitation facilities that undermined progress.
To address this, the ministry has established an education infrastructure and management company to refurbish school facilities nationwide, she said.
“Every citizen must play their role so that no child is left behind,” Ms Kgafela-Mokoka said. ENDS