National Children’s Day celebrated in Thulamela

Limpopo celebrated National Children’s Day at Tshilidzini Special School in Shayandima outside Thohoyandou last Saturday.

The celebration was attended by the MEC for Social Development, Ms Mapula Mokaba-Phukwana, Cllr Rapson Rambuwani and Thulamela Mayor Cllr Avhashoni Tshifhango. The event was mainly attended by disabled children from the school, including those who are living with albinism, like Rambuwani.

MEC Mokaba-Phukwana encouraged the community to look after the children as they are gifts from God. She also advised children to refuse being touched in an inappropriate manner.  “Refuse being lured with sweets and money by people who want to abuse you.  Do not allow anybody to touch you in a place where you feel uncomfortable.  If you see any sign of that, immediately report that to your parents, educators or police,” said Mapula-Phukwana.

Tshifhango said he was happy that South Africa had set aside “this day to focus on our most vulnerable citizens, our children.” He added that if there was something that “we men like, it is children.  They conquer our hearts with their angelic eyes and innocent smiles. It makes us realize that maybe God wanted us to be like children, so innocent and loving.”

Tshifhango said it was a day to remind everyone to renew their commitment towards the welfare of children and to teach them that they can do anything, regardless of their condition. “Children build the nation sound and strong. One can think how these tiny tots can change the nation as today’s children are responsible citizens of tomorrow.  For a country to develop, lies in the hands of children, which is the reason why we must invest in their education as they are our future leaders.”

Date:10 November 2018

By: Ndivhuwo Musetha

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