DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMEMORATES 2025 NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY

By Tholakele Makena

• DSD reaffirmed its constitutional and international mandate to protect and promote children’s rights during the 2025 National Children’s Day commemoration in Barkley West, Northern Cape.
• Leaders highlighted ongoing challenges affecting children, including teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, child safety, and environmental risks, while calling for coordinated support from families, communities, and government.
• Strong emphasis was placed on child participation, with children recognised as active citizens whose voices must be included in decisions that shape their lives and communities.

The Department of Social Development (DSD) joined South Africans in commemorating National Children’s Day on 15 December 2025 in Barkley West, Northern Cape. The annual commemoration serves as an essential platform for reflecting on progress made in advancing and protecting children’s rights, in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and relevant international child rights instruments.

National Children’s Day 2025 was observed under the theme: “As a Child, I have a right to play, have fun, and I should include everybody in my activities.” The theme underscores the importance of participation, inclusion, and social interaction in children’s development, while reinforcing values of equality and shared responsibility. Activities hosted during the commemoration were designed to promote positive social engagement, leadership development, and the nurturing of values inspired by the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela.

Addressing attendees, Director for Child Rights Advocacy in the Department of Social Development, Mr David Chabalala, reflected on Nelson Mandela’s lifelong commitment to the protection and promotion of children’s rights. He highlighted that South Africa is home to more than 20 million children and noted that, despite progress, persistent challenges such as teenage pregnancy and substance abuse continue to affect children’s well-being. Mr Chabalala emphasised that while children are entitled to rights, they also carry responsibilities, and require consistent protection, guidance, and support from families, communities, and the State.

Ms Amogelang Mashele, the first female President of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament, reminded participants that National Children’s Day is not only a celebration but also a moment for reflection. She emphasised the importance of acknowledging both the strides made in advancing children’s rights and the ongoing challenges that children face in their daily lives.
Ms Mashele highlighted realities confronting many children, including unsafe environments, exposure to substance abuse, and limited opportunities for meaningful participation. She noted that issues such as child safety, climate change, teenage pregnancy, and substance abuse are interconnected and require coordinated, multi-sectoral interventions that place children at the centre of decision-making processes.

Child protection and safety remain central to the Department’s mandate. The Department continues to advocate for environments that enable children to grow, learn, and play free from fear and harm. This includes strengthening family and community support systems, addressing environmental risks, preventing substance abuse, and promoting access to information and services aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies.

Emphasising the importance of child participation, Ms Mashele encouraged adults to actively involve children in discussions and decisions that affect their lives. “Children are citizens today, not only in the future,” she said, underscoring the value of listening to children’s voices in shaping safer, more inclusive communities.

The 2025 National Children’s Day commemoration in Barkley West reaffirmed the Department of Social Development’s commitment, alongside government and broader society, to creating safe, inclusive, and supportive environments in which all children can realise their rights and reach their full potential.