FROM DEBATE TO ACTION: YOUNG AMBASSADORS COMMIT TO CHANGE

By Mashudu Mzimba.

• The Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament drew to a close with a summary of the extensive impact it has had over the past two years.
• Outgoing president, Dikgang Morudu, spoke of his “incredible journey of growth, learning, and collective action”.
• Welcoming the new incumbents, Morudu noted: “We have shown that children are not just the future, we are the present, shaping a South Africa that listens, includes, and empowers its young people.”

The Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament concluded today with a renewed sense of hope and responsibility as newly inaugurated child ambassadors pledged to continue championing children’s rights in their provinces.

After two days of powerful deliberation, the children presented key resolutions calling for improved access to education, mental health support, child-friendly social services, and the active participation of young people in community development.

The outgoing president of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament, Dikgang Morudu from Limpopo, thanked the sitting for allowing him to serve. His term ran from July 2023 to October 2025.

“It has been an incredible journey of growth, learning, and collective action,” he said, adding that one of his proudest moments was when President Cyril Ramaphosa officially declared South African Sign Language as the 12th official language on 19 July 2023.

“As President of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament, I had the honour of welcoming this historic announcement on a virtual platform — a moment that marked true inclusion for every child in our nation.”

He provided a summary of achievements by the Children’s Parliament over the past two years.

“During my term, I proposed the establishment of a Junior Council and the integration of a Children’s Budget within the Municipal Integrated Development Plan. I am proud to share that this initiative has been implemented and is now fully effective in various municipalities.

“I also supported the creation of a UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) Volunteer Programme in Limpopo, giving university students the opportunity to advocate for children’s rights and engage with their communities.”

Earlier this year, in March 2025, Morudu founded Catalysts for Change, an organisation registered with the Department of Social Development. He is also the current chairperson of the organisation.

“Our mission is to empower children and youth, promoting leadership, advocacy, and active citizenship,” Morudu explained.

“Through capacity-building workshops across Limpopo, I have worked to educate children about their rights and responsibilities. We have built strong collaborations between child leaders from structures such as the Learners’ Representative Councils, South African Human Rights Commission Child Ambassadors, and other youth organisations.”

He was also proud to have advocated for Pillar 7 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence, ensuring that the voices and needs of children are included in national dialogues. Pillar 7 is dedicated to children’s participation and protection, and ensures that the voices of children are heard and integrated into gender-based violence policies and programmes, addressing issues such as child abuse, exploitation, and the impact of violence on minors.

“Our efforts made it possible for the provincial premiers and MECs to actively participate in children’s events, a step toward ensuring that government leaders hear directly from the youth.”

Together with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Morudu supported the establishment of the Boy Joy Summit, creating a platform for boys to discuss issues that affect them and to learn about positive masculinity.

He also partnered with local radio stations to support programmes where children discuss social challenges and solutions.

“In collaboration with the Department of Social Development and the Office of the Premier in Limpopo, we’ve strengthened child-led initiatives.”

Other successes included holding debating competitions in rural areas to equip children with public speaking skills and critical thinking abilities, preparing them to solve the issues affecting our generation; creating online spaces for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament to share information and amplify children’s voices, and launching a clean-up campaign in Turfloop, the main campus of the University of Limpopo, where children took part in keeping the environment safe and clean.

He also helped matriculants apply for bursaries and higher education opportunities, ensuring that no child is left behind due to a lack of information.

“I have also been a strong advocate for children with disabilities, partnering with municipalities to ensure they receive resources and support.

“Through my Learn Through Play programme, I regularly visit children’s centres, helping children, especially those with disabilities, learn through fun, interactive games.”

He concluded his address with a message to the incoming office bearers. “As I hand over the baton to the new leadership, my message to you is simple: lead with compassion, act with courage, and remember that every child’s voice matters,” Morudu said.

“From debate to action, we have shown that children are not just the future, we are the present, shaping a South Africa that listens, includes, and empowers its young people.”