CHILDREN’S VOICES ARE KEY TO SHAPING AFRICA’S FUTURE

By Busi Kheswa

• Africa’s children are claiming their right to a future that belongs to them, delegates at the Africa Children’s Summit 2025 heard on the opening day.
• Delegates were addressed by the Child President of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament, Dikgang Morudu, who emphasised that consulting with young people was not a formality but a necessity.
• Government policies must be informed by the lived experiences of children and proposed solutions should be tailored to their unique needs, Morudu added.

Child President of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament, Dikgang Morudu, delivered a powerful message at today’s Africa Children Summit held at St John’s College in Parktown, Johannesburg.

The young leader called for greater child participation in tackling issues that affect young people across the continent.

In his address, Morudu emphasised the importance of involving children in decision-making processes that shape their lives and futures.

“Consulting with young people is not just a formality, it is a necessity if we are serious about creating sustainable change,” he said.

Morudu was speaking on the opening day of the 2025 summit, which runs from 4 – 7 April 2025.

Emphasising the value of meaningful engagement, Morudu stressed that policies must be informed by the lived experiences of children and that proposed solutions should be tailored to their unique needs.

He further urged African leaders to ensure appropriate budget allocations to address challenges faced by children effectively.

“Investing in young people is investing in Africa’s future,” he added.

“Africa will be free and rise the day all African children are free. And Africa will win. We are not asking for power. We are claiming our right to a future that belongs to us.”

The Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament was established in 2011 by the South African government in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. It was created to commemorate Nelson Mandela’s birthday and honour his lifelong commitment to children’s rights.

The parliament provides a platform for children from all South Africa’s provinces to voice their concerns and participate in discussions that influence policy and social development.

This initiative is rooted in Mandela’s vision of creating a society where children’s voices are heard and valued.

Over the years, the parliament has introduced an ambassadorial programme, enabling each province to elect a child ambassador.

Many of these ambassadors have gone on to pursue leadership roles in politics and child rights advocacy.

Notably, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament ensured children’s representation at the second presidential summit on gender-based violence and femicide in November 2022. This led to the consideration of adding a seventh pillar to the country’s Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Strategic Plan.

The Children’s Parliament continues to champion children’s rights, including the fight against child labour and other forms of exploitation.

Through its various programmes, it ensures that children are not only seen and heard but are also involved in shaping the Africa they deserve.v