Shaun Moroga to represent Mpumalanga in the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament
A grade 12 pupil from Skhila Secondary School has been chosen as president of the National Nelson Mandela Children's Parliament (NMCP)
LYDENBURG -Shaun Moroga was privileged to take up the reins as the eighth president of the children’s parliament which recently had their annual sitting in Polokwane.
The Mpumalanga Department of Social Development (DSD) introduced Maroga to the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality political office bearers and the executive managers. DSD’s provincial manager in the office on the rights of the child, Elsinah Mhlongo, said 19 children parliamentarians were delegated to represent Mpumalanga in the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament which was the initiative of former president Nelson Mandela.
Since its inception in 2011, the aim of the children’s parliament is to create a platform for children to engage and give input on policy matters affecting them. It is part of the national DSD and is in line with the country’s Children’s Act to “create a platform for children’s participation in democracy and provides them an opportunity to influence policies and strategies intended to realise their rights”.
Shaun said he had an overwhelming experience and was grateful for the opportunity that was presented to him.
He elaborated that it was not an everyday opportunity that as children they are given a platform to voice their opinion.
“It was a great experience to be part of the children’s parliament delegates and I have expressed my views and opinions.
I appreciate being one of the children who contributed to improving the lives of children in the province and country as a whole.
“I came from a separated family, I stay with my mother who is unemployed and my little brother. I for one would like to change our living conditions by furthering my studies to obtain a bachelor’s degree in business management and analysis at the University of Pretoria.”
Shaun’s plan is to set barriers that will create awareness on how small facts can ruin a person’s life. “Happiness comes with grief,” he said.
He added that he would like to work together with the National Arts Council (NCA) after completing school to fund Thaba Chweu Local Municipality (TCLM) and build facilities that are user-friendly to children and people with disabilities, to help further and sharpen youth skills and talent so that they become better people from their abilities.
