AFRICA’S LARGEST CHILD-LED SUMMIT TO CHAMPION YOUTH VOICES AND DRIVE POLICY CHANGE

by Cuma Pantshwa

• Minister of Social Development, Honourable Nokuzola Tolashe highlighted the significance of the summit theme “Seen, Heard and Engaged in Education.”
• Summit a landmark event  to  amplify the voices of young people and push for transformative policy changes to safeguard children’s rights and well-being.
• The summit enhances the legacy of Nelson Mandela by making sure that the voices of children are reflected in policies.

The 2nd Biennial Africa Children’s Summit, aptly titled  “Seen, Heard and Engaged in Education.” kicks off from 4^th to 7^th April  at the St John’s College, Parktown, Johannesburg with foremost priorities including  child protection, the publication of child convicted child molesters in the national register, addressing insecurity at home, schools  well as other discussions to be generated by the children-driven summit.

With representatives from 17 of Africa’s 54 states already confirmed and about 1,300 children from across Africa coming together, the summit is poised to be a transformative platform for holding leaders accountable to children’s needs.

Resolutions from the summit will be drafted into a “living document”—a dynamic tool for advocacy and policy transformation that will be presented to the African Union’s Committee of Experts and delivered directly to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF) who are hosts of the summit said the landmark event will amplify the voices of young people and push for transformative policy changes to safeguard children’s rights and well-being.

Speaking at a media briefing held in Cape Town on Wednesday, the Minister of Social Development Honourable Ms. Sisisi Nokuzola Tolashe highlighted the significance of hosting the summit under the theme “Seen, Heard and Engaged in Education.” which,  she said, resonates with South Africa’s historic G20 Presidency—the first for an African country—positioning the summit as a platform to elevate Africa’s developmental priorities on the global stage.

“The government seeks to use this opportunity to bring the developmental priorities of Africa and the Global South to the forefront, amplifying the collective voice of Africa’s children,” Minister Tolashe said.

Child Protection Takes Center Stage

With child protection as one of her foremost priorities, the Minister addressed the ongoing crisis of child abuse and gender-based violence that continues to plague communities nationwide. Citing the tragic case of seven-year-old Cwecwe, who was allegedly sexually assaulted at Bergview College in the Eastern Cape, she expressed outrage at the lack of justice, more than six months after the incident occurred.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” the Minister declared, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting the family and working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice.

“All necessary psycho-social support services were rendered to both the child and her family. Social workers, including a forensic social worker, continue to work with SAPS to close this tragic chapter with accountability and justice.” Minister Tolashe said, urging the Minister of Police to fulfill his commitment to address gender-based violence cases swiftly, she stated emphatically: “Cwecwe and many other survivors of gender-based violence cannot wait for justice!”

A United Front for Safer Communities

Reiterating her commitment to safeguarding children, the Minister also welcomed the recent announcement by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to publicize the names of convicted gender-based violence offenders through the National Register for Sex Offenders.

 “This crucial step signals a commitment to accountability and transparency in protecting our children,” she noted.

Mandela’s Legacy Lives On

Speaking at the same occasion, the CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Ms. Linda Ncube-Nkomo, emphasized how the summit honours Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy of child and youth empowerment.

“This summit enhances the legacy of Nelson Mandela by making sure that the voices of children are reflected in policies. We don’t know what it’s like to be a child today—they do. Listening to them will give us invaluable insights from their lived experiences into how we can create a safer and more nurturing environment for children,” Ncube-Nkomo said.

Ms. Ncube-Nkomo further stressed that children are often living in fear—not just at home but also within schools and communities where they should feel safe. “The summit, therefore, is about reimagining South Africa and Africa as a whole to ensure that children feel safe and supported, wherever they are.”

A Call to Action for Leaders and Policymakers

Resolutions from the summit will be drafted into a “living document”—a dynamic tool for advocacy and policy transformation that will be presented to the African Union’s Committee of Experts and delivered directly to President Ramaphosa.

“The document will not just sit on a shelf; it will be a continuous driver for change, It aims to address systemic failures and ensure that children’s voices are not just heard but acted upon,” affirmed Ms. Ncube-Nkomo.

Towards a Future of Hope and Safety

The Africa Children’s Summit is more than just a gathering—it is a powerful call to action. It challenges government leaders, civil society, and communities to listen to children, act on their ideas, and build a future where their safety and well-being are paramount. As the summit unfolds, it is hoped that it will mark a turning point in how children are protected, valued, and empowered to shape their own futures.