CAPE TOWN, Dec. 15– South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for concerted efforts to protect and nurture children, as poverty, malnutrition and abuse continue to threaten the country’s future. “The best way to secure our country’s future is to invest in the health and well-being of its children,” Ramaphosa wrote in his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday. Citing recent data from Statistics South Africa, he noted that nearly half of the country’s children still live in poverty, the highest rate of any age group. Many are disadvantaged even before birth because of maternal undernutrition, which contributes to low birth weights, weak immunity and long-term health problems. “Today, our children live on the edge of great possibility, but also great risk,” Ramaphosa said, adding that the cycle of deprivation must be broken early to prevent lasting damage. The president also raised alarm over high levels of violence against children. More than 26,000 cases of child abuse and neglect were reported in the 2024/2025 financial year, most involving sexual abuse, according to figures released during Child Protection Month in May. He described crimes against children as “worryingly high,” underscoring the need for stronger protection systems. Ramaphosa said the Cabinet recently approved the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children, which identifies priorities across childhood and adolescence and calls for closer cooperation among the state, civil society and the private sector. Business, he said, has resources that could support under-resourced early learning programs, while trade unions can help ensure working parents have time and support to care for their children.
(Xinhua)
