CHIEF MOROKA RALLIES COMMUNITIES TO PROTECT CHILDREN AT NATIONAL LAUNCH

By Relebohile Ramabitsa

• Chief Moroka leading from the front as celebrating Mother’s Day turned the launch of Child Protection Month 2025 into a rallying call for communities to unite against violence.
• ⁠”If we want to see real impact, the time has come for us to put aside our differences and focus on this critical issue, because the future of our children is at stake,” she urged parents, elders, and the entire community to work together to end violence against children.
• ⁠In a special message, Chief Moroka encouraged women to love and value themselves as they carry the responsibility of nurturing and protecting the next generation.

“It’s our time now to talk about our children. And to all the mothers, I wish you a happy Mother’s Day!” said Chief Kgosi Gaboilelwe Moroka of the Barolong Boo Seleka, her words ringing through the hall in Thaba Nchu where South Africa officially launched Child Protection Month 2025.

The timing was powerful — as the country celebrated Mother’s Day, the event became more than just a launch. It turned into a rallying call for communities to unite against violence, with Chief Moroka leading from the front. Her passionate engagement with children and parents throughout the day showed her deep commitment to protecting children and empowering women.

“What we are witnessing today is not a new beginning, but rather a milestone in a journey that started a long time ago,” Chief Moroka reflected, as she addressed the dignitaries and families gathered. She recalled how her journey began in 2015 when she was still Princess Kgabo, spearheading the Princess Kgabo Foundation, an initiative that advocates for responsible reproductive and child health.

She reminded the audience of one of her earliest campaigns, “Basadi ha re bueng” (Women, let’s talk), which created safe spaces for women in her community to openly discuss reproductive issues and challenges affecting their children. That foundation, she noted, has paved the way for her continued advocacy as a female traditional leader.

“If we want to see real impact, the time has come for us to put aside our differences and focus on this critical issue, because the future of our children is at stake,” she urged, calling on parents, elders, and the entire community to work together to end violence against children.

Chief Moroka also used the occasion to deliver a special message to women, encouraging them to love and value themselves as they carry the responsibility of nurturing and protecting the next generation.

The launch, attended by various government departments and community members, served as a platform to reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to upholding children’s rights, as enshrined in Section 28 of the Constitution. Traditional leaders like Chief Moroka are now being recognised as vital partners in driving change where it matters most — within communities and families.

“I want to thank all the departments that participated in this event,” Chief Moroka said in closing. “Together, we can make a difference.”