Learners take a stand
As young children from the Ehlanzeni district converged on the legislature on Saturday, despite acknowledging the benefits of living in a democratic society, they raised a number of concerns affecting them daily.
MBOMBELA – As young children from the Ehlanzeni district converged on the legislature on Saturday, despite acknowledging the benefits of living in a democratic society, they raised a number of concerns affecting them daily.
The youngsters from various schools were given the opportunity to voice their ideas, thoughts and feelings so that their concerns could be addressed.
Welcoming them, the speaker, Ms Thandi Shongwe, assured the learners their issues would be taken into consideration since the ANC-led government was committed to ensure that they were cared for. “You deserve a happy young life free from worry,” she told them.
Chaired by the young speaker of the day, Lonene Mhaule, the sitting heard how children of rural areas have to face all kinds of abuse when walking to school.
“We urge the government to provide transport to all the schools in villages because some children end up being victims of child trafficking and are being sold to other countries,” said Phumla Mkhatshwa.
She further urged her peers not to take drugs or food from strangers.
Nokukholwa Mogane stated that although the country was celebrating 20 years of democracy, not every child was reaping the benefits. “Government still has a lot to do in terms of providing us with more security and giving us a better life,” she added.
For Zanele Msibi, surely children have a better story to tell. “We thank the government for the Children’s Charter which allows us to exercise our rights.
In 2010, 300 bicycles were given to my school by the government and we continue to benefit from feeding schemes and free uniforms,” she said. But rights come with responsibilities, according to Zanele Shiba. “We are not helpless, I urge my peers to take full responsibility for their actions. We need to stay away from trouble by staying in school during school hours and acquiring as much knowledge as we can.”
The learners condemned the government of Nigeria for not making efforts to free the girls who were abducted by Boko Haram terrorists.
Responding to their pleas, Ms Elsinah Mhlongo of the premier’s office said that the provincial government would listen to the children in an effort to ensure a better life for them.
“You are the future of this country and looking at what you said here today, we know our future is in good hands,” she concluded.
