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The Social Development Minister Nokuzola “Sisisi” Tolashe represented South Africa at the Regional World Children’s Day commemoration in Botswana, Gaborone on Saturday, 15 November 2025. The event, hosted by President Duma Gideon Boko, celebrated the 36th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. South Africa joined Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe in a joint regional programme focused on children’s rights, youth leadership and government accountability.
What Happened
The 2025 commemoration brought together Heads of State, ministers and children’s representatives from seven SADC countries. Minister Tolashe led a South African delegation that included young leaders selected from different provinces. The group was led by Khazimla Adam, the representative of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament.
Throughout the programme, children from each country presented their priorities and concerns directly to regional leaders. The day showed issues affecting children across the region, including safety, education, social protection and youth participation.
One participant said, “Children must be heard. These platforms allow us to shape the decisions that impact our future.”
Official Response
Minister Tolashe reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to advancing children’s rights, noting that the CRC remains central to the country’s social development agenda. She commended the regional approach adopted by SADC countries since 2021, saying it strengthens cooperation and elevates the voices of young people.
An official from the Department of Social Development added, “This gathering shows that children’s views matter. Leaders are listening, and they respond directly to the issues young people raise.”
Community Impact
The event strengthened youth participation across the SADC region. It gave children a real chance to shape policy discussions at the highest level. The Minister said South Africa will keep working with schools, communities and child-rights organisations. She added that the commitments made in Gaborone must now turn into real action.
