14 July 2017 – Members of the public including children and women on Friday, 14 July 2017 attended the Annual Children Celebration at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund House to sensatise the public against women and children abuse.
The theme of this year’s celebration was ‘African Children, Our Hope and Inspiration’.
Since its inception, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund has honoured the founding Father of the Nation, Tata Mandela’s wish to celebrate his birthday with children.
Each year, the late icon gave a day out of his busy schedule engaging the children and youth in vibrant discussions about their dreams and hopes, telling stories and sharing his birthday cake with his little guests.
“In memory of Madiba, we continue to celebrate his birthday by giving our children the space to play, speak and command attention.
“Together with corporate and non-governmental organisation partners, we are privileged to honour the country’s youngest citizens. This year we will again be with our children doing what we do best; giving them a chance to be kids and ensuring that their voices are heard,” said CEO Sibongile Mkhabela.
Her sentiments were echoed by SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble who led a strong SAFA staff contingent to the event.
Mumble said SAFA was proud to be associated with any of the late Nelson Mandela projects and in particular the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.
“We are here to re-emphasise our stand on zero tolerance to women and children abuse. We unequivocally say to all men out there ‘real men don’t abuse women and children.’
“We need such activities as those of today to remind society that abuse of women and children have no place in modern society. It must stop,” said Mumble.