CHILDREN POSTPONE ELECTIONS TO ENSURE INCLUSION

By Happiness Zwane

•  ⁠Demonstrating equality and fairness, the delegates of the Africa Children’s Summit agreed to postpone the election of the chairperson for the next summit due to some participants having to leave early.
• The Independent Electoral Commission and event coordinators will oversee the election that will take place at the end of April.
• The delegates of the 2025 summit issued a powerful outcome statement capturing the children’s key concerns and aspirations.

The 2025 Africa Children’s Summit concluded today in Johannesburg with children from across the continent agreeing to postpone the election of the next chairperson of the summit.

The decision followed the early departures of several South African delegates due to schools reopening and the logistical constraints faced by others travelling home. Those who remained felt strongly that every child must have a fair chance to vote.

The elections will now take place at the end of April under the supervision of the event coordinators and the Independent Electoral Commission.
As the summit closed, the spirit of unity, urgency, and hope resonated through a powerful outcome statement presented by the child delegates, capturing the key concerns and aspirations of Africa’s youngest citizens.

Kazimla Adam, Deputy Speaker of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament said the outcome statement was a true reflection of the pressing matters raised by delegates.

“The main topics focused on the need for inclusion and diversity in all spheres of society, access to quality education, child safety, and improved healthcare services,” said Adam.

“The need for African unity in facing challenges and creating innovative solutions was also very apparent.”
Adam emphasised that the loudest demand from children was for governments to go beyond promises and implement existing laws and policies. “By the next summit, children want to hear about progress, not repeat the same problems year after year with no change.”

She added that the drafting process of the statement demonstrated just how invested children are in the future of their countries.
“They are well informed about the issues, and they’re even proposing solutions.

“The children are the future, and based on the spirit shown at this summit, the future of Africa is bright. They just need the space and platform to show their abilities.”

This year’s gathering, hosted for the first time in the SADC (Southern Africa Development Community) region, follows the previous summit in 2023 held in Kenya, representing the East Africa Region.

The 2025 summit brought together children from diverse backgrounds to raise their voices on matters such as gender-based violence, climate change, disability inclusion, and mental health.

Cinderella Chongo (17) from Kabwe in Zambia echoed that sentiment, appreciating the inclusivity of the process.
“I really love how the outcome statement was compiled because almost everything has been included
“Children got the chance to express themselves and share every child’s opinion,” she said.

“I just want our government to ensure that more children are included in the next pre-summit. If we talk about inclusion, then more voices must be invited and heard. This will show that government is committed and concerned about children.”

Makeletso Mothakathi (16) from Lesotho emphasised: “We need protection both at home and school. We also want inclusive and free education for children with disabilities, and girls should receive free sanitary towels not only at school but also at home.”

Salman Abdirahman, a deaf delegate from Kenya, appreciated the inclusive space. “I interacted with many children from different countries who share similar challenges. African countries must make inclusion a reality – we are still far from it.”

Upendo Nawire (16), also from Kenya, called for urgency in action. “All the resolutions from the Africa Children’s Summit must be implemented in every sector. We are tired of promises without action.”