DEPUTY MINISTER HENDRICKS HONOURS SAREPTA CHILDREN AND REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO THEIR CARE AND DIGNITY

By Nomfundo Xulu-Lentsoane

• Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks reaffirmed that every child, regardless of background, deserves dignity, protection and a sense of belonging within their community.
• He urged children to respect their parents and elders, emphasising that strong families are the foundation of safe and caring communities.
• The Deputy Minister linked everyday values of respect and kindness to the national 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.

The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mr Ganief Hendricks, joined caregivers, parents, community leaders and local organisations in Sarepta to honour children and reaffirm government’s commitment to their care, protection and social wellbeing.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Minister Hendricks said he was pleased to return to Sarepta, having earlier engaged with youth in the area, and now standing alongside children who represent the future generation of the community.
“Our communities and their children deserve attention, honour and good service,” he said. “We are gathered here to show our children that we care deeply about them, that we are concerned about their social welfare, and that they are loved.”
He acknowledged that some children come from broken homes, dysfunctional family environments or experiences of homelessness, but stressed that this must never define their worth or place in society.
“Each and every child is important in our homes, in our communities and in our nation,” he said.

A message across generations

Speaking from personal experience, the Deputy Minister shared reflections on his life journey, noting that he addressed the children not only as a public representative but also as a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
“When I look at you, I see my great-grandchildren,” he said, explaining that respect between generations is central to building strong families and stable communities.
He urged children to show respect to their parents and elders, reminding them that families thrive when children listen, care and honour those who raise and guide them.
“Respect for your parents and elders is not only about good manners,” he said. “It is about building families that are loving, safe and supportive.”

Instilling values of care and non-violence

Deputy Minister Hendricks also spoke to children about the importance of honesty, kindness and protecting one another, cautioning against bullying, violence and abuse.
He linked these values to South Africa’s 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, noting that ending violence begins with how children learn to treat others at home, at school and in their communities.
“We should not hurt one another, we should not abuse one another, and we should treat each other with respect,” he said.
He emphasised that respecting parents, elders and peers is a practical way of building safer communities and preventing violence before it takes root.

Building a caring future

The Deputy Minister thanked caregivers, parents, and organisations such as the Love Thy Neighbour Foundation for their role in nurturing children and providing support to families.
As the festive season approaches, he encouraged children and families to carry forward the spirit of respect, compassion and care.
“When we treat our parents, elders and one another with dignity, we strengthen our communities and our country,” he said.
The engagement reinforced the message that protecting children and strengthening families is a shared responsibility, requiring continued collaboration among communities, caregivers, and government to ensure that every child grows up feeling valued, protected, and respected.