INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD A SIGNIFICANT DAY FOR NEW PRESIDENT OF CHILDREN’S PARLIAMENT

By Pricilla Seamelando.

• It is fitting that the first female president of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament was inaugurated on 11 October – International Day of the Girl Child.
• Amogelang Mashele took over the role from Dikgang Morudu during the sitting of the parliament in Cape Town.
• Mashele’s achievement is a beacon of hope for many young girls, showcasing the impact of empowerment and leadership.

October 11 marks International Day of the Girl Child, a day dedicated to amplifying girls’ voices and promoting their empowerment and human rights.

Established by the UN General Assembly in 2011, the day recognises the unique challenges girls face worldwide and celebrates their achievements.

This year’s commemoration is particularly significant, as it coincides with Amogelang Mashele taking up the reins as the newly elected president of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament. She takes over from Dikgang Morudu, who served as president from 2023 to 2025.

Mashele’s achievement is a beacon of hope for many young girls, highlighting the transformative power of empowerment and leadership.

Mashele stood tall at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament, her confidence and determination inspiring her peers.

As the first-ever female president, Mashele’s achievement was not just a personal triumph but a symbol of hope for many young girls.

The Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament empowers South African children to participate in policy-making, decision-making, and governance, working alongside lawmakers to shape their future.

Recently, Mashele and her peers took a significant step towards creating lasting change. On 9 October 2025, they signed a pledge at the National Assembly in Cape Town, reaffirming their commitment to promoting the rights and well-being of children across South Africa.

“I had the most amazing time at the parliament,” Mashele said, her voice barely above a whisper. She giggled, clearly still a bit shy about being in the spotlight.

Mashele shared her insights. “I learned that adults usually make decisions without consulting children, and those decisions usually affect their daily lives. Whether they have textbooks in class, safe playgrounds, proper sanitation or health care.”

As the newly elected president, Mashele promises to stand up for the children who cannot be heard. “I will always make sure that every child in South Africa is heard, protected, and safe,” she said boldly, her voice growing stronger as she spoke about her vision.

Addressing the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament, the Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, noted: “Central to both the Convention on Rights of the Child and the African Children’s Charter is the principle that governments must always act in the best interests of the child.”

She assured the gathering that their voices were heard. “Consistently, we hear you crying out loud on the issues affecting you.”

The objectives of the Children’s Parliament are to promote child-centered dialogue and advocacy, empower children as agents of change, and ensure inclusive and equitable participation.

The Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament is a shining example of the power of youth leadership and empowerment.

As South Africa celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child, it honours Mashele’s achievement and the countless young girls who are making a difference in their communities.