DEPUTY MINISTER HENDRICKS CALLS FOR AN INCLUSIVE SOUTH AFRICA AT YOUTH SUMMIT

By DSD Staff Writer.

The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mr Ganief Hendricks, delivered a heartfelt address at the Youth Summit themed “Every Child Matters: Voices of Our Future.” The summit brought together children, young people, parents, caregivers, and community leaders to amplify the voices of children with disabilities and promote inclusion at all levels of society.

Opening his remarks with words of peace, the Deputy Minister expressed that it was a profound honor to address those present. He shared that he stood before the gathering not only in his official capacity as a government representative, but also as a father, an uncle, and a fellow South African. He emphasized his commitment to listening with an open heart, underscoring the importance of approaching the summit’s discussions with empathy and genuine understanding. This personal approach set the tone for the event, highlighting the shared responsibility of building a more inclusive society.

He described the summit as a powerful reminder of the strength and truth carried in the voices of young people. Reflecting on the placards raised by children during a silent march, he said their messages spoke volumes about inclusion, dignity, and accountability.

“You reminded us that inclusion is not an act of charity. It is a recognition of human worth. And you reminded us, too, that government’s responsibility is not only to speak about inclusion but to make it real, in policy, in practice, and in the everyday lives of our children,” said Deputy Minister Hendricks.

He paid tribute to parents and caregivers for their unwavering love and resilience in raising children with disabilities, acknowledging the challenges they face in systems that are often slow to adapt.

“You fight not for privilege, but for fairness. Not for special treatment, but for what every parent wants, the chance for your child to be seen, supported, and allowed to flourish,” he said.

The Deputy Minister also thanked the community for its generosity and solidarity, noting that inclusion begins with humanity, kindness, and a willingness to open doors.

Moving from reflection to responsibility, he reiterated that the rights of children to education, play, and participation cannot exist without social security and access to essential services. He outlined government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen early identification, inclusive education, and social assistance for children with disabilities.

“No mother should beg for a grant that is her child’s right. No teacher should turn a child away because of their disability. And no child should grow up believing that they are less because society is slow to adapt,” he said.

The Deputy Minister reaffirmed that every child has equal worth, regardless of ability or background. He encouraged children to dream freely, learn boldly, and participate fully in their communities.

“Your worth is not measured by a title, but by the fullness of your participation in life. Every child deserves to be seen as a contributor, not someone on the edge of society, but at its very heart.”

Highlighting government’s policy priorities, Hendricks said the Department of Social Development is committed to expanding access to early childhood development services, integrated family support, and faster coordination between social, health, and education services. He also emphasised advocacy for ring-fenced funding dedicated to children with disabilities.

He reminded attendees that government cannot achieve inclusion alone. Partnerships with communities, educators, researchers, and parents are critical to achieving meaningful transformation.

“When you march silently with placards, you remind us that silence can be powerful when it speaks truth. When you sing your song, you remind us that hope is a form of resistance. And when you speak your poem, you remind us that children are authors of change.”

In closing, the Deputy Minister reflected as a father, expressing his personal commitment to building a South Africa that honours every child’s potential.

“Our task as adults, as leaders, and as communities, is not to fix children. It is to fix systems that exclude them. Let us create a South Africa that honours every child’s potential and every parent’s effort,” he said.

The Deputy Minister’s address concluded with a message of hope and responsibility, a call for all South Africans to continue building a society where every child’s voice is heard, every family is supported, and every dream is possible.