Minister Dina Pule addresses child violence at White River summit
Young ambassadors step up to ensure children have a direct say in policies and community programmes that shape their future.
Children from across the country engaged with Minister Dina Pule and the MEC for social development, Nompumelelo Hlophe, during a two-day summit at the ANEW Resort in White River.
The summit, held under the theme ‘Working together in ending violence against children’, took place on October 1 and 2.
It was attended by child ambassadors from all nine provinces, including beneficiaries of the Risiha Family Programme, parenting programmes, foster care and child and youth care centres.
Pule said the department will support initiatives aimed at ending violence against children during Social Development Month and beyond. The department and its entities have programmes in place to ensure that it fulfils its mandate as the custodian of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, as amended.
“Children must have a meaningful say in the decisions that affect their lives,” said Pule.
Commitments focus on 52 districts
The summit provided a platform for children, government and partners to reflect on South Africa’s progress in implementing commitments made at the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, held in Bogotá, Colombia, in November 2024.
Pule reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to implementing seven breakthrough areas across all 52 districts, calling for stronger co-ordination between government, civil society, communities and traditional and religious leaders to accelerate prevention and strengthen support for children affected by violence.
She highlighted the National Strategy on Accelerated Action for Children, which prioritises protecting children from abuse, neglect and exploitation while ensuring that they actively shape policies, legislation and programmes.
Hlophe pledges action on recommendations
Closing the summit, Hlophe thanked departmental officials, stakeholders, parents and all those who contributed to the success of the event.
She also acknowledged parents who shared their appreciation for the services they receive from the department.
Hlophe extended a special word of appreciation to the children who participated in the summit and assured them that their recommendations would not end there. She committed that their voices and recommendations would find expression in the department’s programmes, budget and initiatives within local communities.
