Children’s book launched on Mandela Day to inspire future leaders

A new children’s book was launched on Mandela Day to introduce young readers to the Sustainable Development Goals through the values of Nelson Mandela.

The launch called upon children to become responsible citizens who build the future.

The United Nations in South Africa, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and the Graça Machel Trust, officially launched Thando and Freddy’s Big SDG Adventure: A Journey with Tata Madiba on July 18 at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund in Saxonwold, Johannesburg, in celebration of Mandela Day.

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The launch aimed to educate children about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through an African story inspired by the values of Nelson Mandela, while encouraging young minds to become responsible citizens and future leaders.

The programme was hosted by Lorato Tshenkeng, who welcomed guests before cultural performer Maduvha Madima set the tone with a traditional Venda song. Madima also reminded attendees of the significance of Mandela Day and the purpose of the event.

Dr Linda Ncube Nkomo, chief executive officer of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, highlighted several Sustainable Development Goals that align with the organisation’s work, including ending poverty and hunger, promoting good health and well-being, advancing gender equality and taking action on climate change.

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“This morning I’d like to reflect on five goals, which are no poverty, zero hunger, good health, and gender equality, and also climate action,” she said.

“These goals connect closely with the work we do at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and our three strategic focus areas: raising children’s voices and creating platforms for them to be heard, eradicating violence against children, and alleviating poverty,” she said.

A video message from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres was then shown, in which he paid tribute to Nelson Mandela’s lifelong dedication to peace, justice, equality and human dignity.

United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa Nelson Muffuh congratulated the children on participating in the programme and reminded them that they have an important role to play in creating a better future.

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“We are here because of you. We thank you for being here, for your inspiration and for the commitment to the action you’ll be taking today,” said Muffuh.

He added that Mandela Day is about carrying forward Madiba’s unfinished work.

“We meet on Nelson Mandela Day, declared by the United Nations General Assembly, not simply to remember Madiba but to renew the work he left in our hands.”

Muffuh said the world recognises Madiba’s lifetime of service to humanity, peace, reconciliation, human rights, women’s rights, children’s rights and the fight against poverty.

According to Alice Brown, a trustee of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Mandela Day was the ideal occasion to launch the third Thando and Freddy book.

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“It gives us great pleasure to participate in the launch of this third book,” she said.

Brown emphasised that Mandela Day is about far more than celebrating Nelson Mandela’s birthday.

“It is important to emphasise that Mandela Day is not about celebrating Madiba as an individual. Rather, it is about responding to the challenges that concerned him most, including promoting universal social and economic justice, equality and inclusion,” she said.

Graça Machel Trust chief executive officer Shiphra Chisha described the launch as a powerful reminder of children’s ability to unite communities across Africa.

“Today is one of those days where, once again, the children of Africa are uniting us for a common cause,” Chisha said.

She said the book would go a long way in helping children understand the Sustainable Development Goals while inspiring them through the experiences of Thando, Freddy and Tata Madiba.

Children also took centre stage during the event, with four reading extracts from the newly launched book before a panel discussion featuring Fanelesibonge Ndhlovu (Grade 8), Kamohelo Masala (Grade 11) and Ndivhuwo Mashele (Grade 11).

The learners answered thought-provoking questions and impressed the audience with their maturity, confidence and understanding of leadership and responsibility.

Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Steve Letsike concluded the programme with a closing address, encouraging young people to uphold the legacy of the late president by becoming agents of equality, compassion and justice in their communities.

The event demonstrated that Madiba’s legacy is both historical and contemporary, and that its future lies in the hands of today’s children and the choices they make.