Presidents desk: Our children hold the power to change our future

Dear Fellow South African, 

The best way to secure our country’s future is to invest in the health and well-being of its children. 

Since the advent of democracy, we have made considerable progress in reducing child poverty and mortality. We have expanded access to education and are now focused on making sure every child has access to early childhood development.

Earlier this month, Cabinet approved the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC). It focuses on a range of interventions to improve the conditions and the development of our nation’s children and adolescents.

The strategy follows extensive consultation with the children’s sector, relevant government departments and with children themselves. It identifies ten priorities for children and teenagers that seeks to galvanise all of society. The strategy follows key milestones in the life of children, paying added attention to adolescents and children with disabilities.

The strategy will be implemented through