NKANGALA – In a united show of care, commitment and awareness, three communities across Nkangala – Middelburg, Phola and Delmas – came together on June 13, 2025 to mark Child Protection Day through colourful and impactful celebrations.
From joyful performances by pre-schoolers in Mhluzi to a heartfelt community gathering in Phola and a vibrant awareness march in Delmas, Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, government stakeholders and civil society organisations joined hands to promote the safety, rights and well-being of children.
The events, held under the shared theme of protecting and nurturing the future generation, served not only to celebrate children but to educate communities on the critical role of early childhood development, the importance of compliance with ECD regulations, and the value of strong family and community involvement in child protection.
In Mhluzi, Middelburg, children from ECD centres across the area gathered at the Adelaide Tambo Community Hall to celebrate Children’s Day in grand style. Young learners and their educators from institutions such as Njabulo Early Learning Centre, Shining Stars Academy, Lethabong Crèche and Uthando Crèche took part in the festivities.
The event featured educational displays and vibrant performances, highlighting the importance of safeguarding children’s rights and showcasing the foundational skills being developed at ECD level.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and civil society representatives were present to support the initiative. Sergeant Selahle Mahlase of SAPS urged ECD centre owners to comply with registration requirements, noting that while centres will not be penalised immediately, inspections will be conducted.
“Registering your centre is for your own protection,” said Mahlase. “If something happens to a child under your care and you are operating without registration, not only will law enforcement get involved, but your reputation could also be tarnished by media coverage.”
She emphasised the value of nurturing children early,“Police officers, doctors and teachers all start from these foundational years. You are building the future.”
Pastor Aifel Nethonoda, representing civil society, echoed her sentiments and praised ECD practitioners for the critical role they play in early childhood development.
“This is not an easy job,” he said. “It requires passion, patience and dedication. These educators deserve recognition and validation from government structures.”
He encouraged teachers to continue guiding and protecting children, as they are shaping future leaders and professionals.
In Phola, the ECD Highveld Forum Association hosted a joint Child Protection, Father’s and Youth Day event. The programme celebrated the often-overlooked contributions of fathers and young people in raising and protecting children, while also underscoring the importance of early childhood education.
Held on the same day, the event brought together families, educators and community leaders to acknowledge the powerful impact of responsible fatherhood and youth mentorship. It was a heartfelt celebration of the community’s collective role in ensuring that children grow up in safe, supportive environments.
The forum highlighted the significance of building solid foundations during the early years and praised those actively involved in shaping children’s futures – particularly fathers and youth who serve as role models in their communities.
In the Victor Khanye Local Municipality, in partnership with pre-schools from Botleng, Delmas and Eloff, the day was marked by a vibrant Child Protection Day awareness event that began with a fun walk from Delmas Midas to the VKLM Sports Ground.
The walk, led by enthusiastic children and educators, set the tone for a morning filled with song, poetry and engaging performances focused on children’s rights and protection. Learners sang awareness songs, recited powerful slogans and delivered moving poems, all crafted to raise awareness on the need to provide children with safe, nurturing environments.
The programme was facilitated by Pastor Mtakwende, Chairperson of ECDs in Delmas, alongside Thulisile Skosana, Manager of Transversal Programmes.
A memorandum was read aloud and officially handed over, outlining key concerns around child safety and access to resources, and calling for increased government support for early childhood development initiatives.
