Joburg mourns Jayden-Lee as Speaker marks Boy Child Day
City of Johannesburg Speaker Nobuhle Mthembu marked International Day of the Boy Child by calling for greater protection and empowerment of boys, as the city mourns the tragic death of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek from Fleurhof.
International Day of the Boy Child, observed annually on May 16, reminds us of the need to prioritise the boy child’s well-being and acknowledge the roles of families, communities and institutions in nurturing and protecting our boys.
The City of Johannesburg Speaker of council, Nobuhle Mthembu, joined the global community in celebrating the day at a painful time for the city and the nation as we mourn the killing of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek from Fleurhof.
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Mthembu said the ordeal was heartbreaking and an attack on our future as a country.
Mthembu said, ‘’Under the theme ‘Building Self-Esteem in Boys: Stand Up, Be Heard, Be Seen,’ this year’s commemoration urges all of us to take an active stand against the abuse and neglect of boys.
“Let us all stand up and be counted. Let us be seen and heard as we champion the protection, affirmation and empowerment of every boy in our communities.’’
She called on law enforcement and the justice system to act decisively in bringing justice for Jayden-Lee and his family.
