Five fun things to do in the Lowveld this National Children’s Day
Here are some basic children's rights to remember, but we also believe in the right for children to have fun - so click here to get some weekend-activity ideas!
MBOMBELA – “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” – Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa.
The South African government declared the first Saturday of November as National Children’s Day and will this year fall on the seventh. The aim of this is to highlight progress being made towards the realisation and promotion of rights of children.
Also see: How to keep your children safe
According to the Constitutional Court website, the inclusion in the Bill of Rights of a special section on the rights of the child was an important development for South African children, most of whom had suffered under apartheid for many years. “Some had been detained without trial, tortured and assaulted; many faced discrimination in health care, education and other areas,” it reads.
Five basic children’s rights to remember
• A name and a nationality from birth
• Family care or parental care, or to appropriate alternative care when removed from the family environment
• Basic nutrition, shelter, basic health-care services and social services
• Protection from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation
• Protection from exploitative labour practice
“Children need special protection because they are among the most vulnerable members of society. They are dependent on others – their parents and families, or the state when these fail – for care and protection. As a result, the drafters of our Constitution have made children’s rights a priority – and have stated that the best interests of a child are the overriding concern when it comes to any matter affecting him or her.”
Also see Childline Mpumalanga.
Fun things to do with your child this National Children’s Day in the Lowveld
1. Visit Mafunyane Water Park at Riverside Mall
2. Mini golf at Sakkie’s Farm Yard at Casterbridge
3. Tenpin bowling at The Fun Company in Riverside Mall
4. Visit the Sudwala Caves and dinosaur park out on the R539 turn-off from the N4
5. Elephant Whispers or Elephant Sanctuary in the Hazyview area.
