From the Top
Letter from the CEO – Siza Mzimela
Children must be seen and heard

South Africa celebrates National Children’s Day on November 1st, but as a mother and aunt I believe that our children should be recognised, celebrated and appreciated every single day of the year.

The fact that South African children make up close to 40% of our country’s population cements my belief that they are a force to be reckoned with and, as they are tomorrow’s decision-makers, should be given more attention and guidance.

It is wonderful that children are given the space to voice their opinion and are nurtured to become more confident these days, whereas in the past, children were neither seen nor heard. Some people might miss the ‘good old days’ when children were not encouraged to be independent thinkers and be vocal about their needs and opinions. This is especially true when they begin to ask those difficult questions that we find so hard to respond to!

Instead of silencing or ignoring their perceptions, let us celebrate children during the month of November and offer them love, affection and guidance. The measure of successful parenting is to raise healthy, happy, independent children who know their worth.

Children are often more intelligent and perceptive than they are thought to be. They are able to absorb much in a short space of time – for example, they know the intricacies of technology long before adults understand the simple basics and they have the ability to learn multiple languages simultaneously.

Many South African adults today still battle with the words to our national anthem, but most six year olds, regardless of race or creed, sing it with ease.

We often take for granted the joy they bring into our lives and the fact that we simply cannot imagine life before or without them. In order for us to treat our children better, we need to recognise the child in ourselves and reflect on our childhood experiences, especially the importance of what being seen and heard meant to us.

In South Africa, children are entitled to attend good schools and are encouraged to interact with each other in our multi-cultural society. Children are coaxed to explore different avenues in order to broaden their horizons. There is so much we can do as parents to broaden their scope.

What better way to expose your child to the world than through travel? Since it is holiday season, this is the perfect time to bond and establish a better connection with your child. Communicate as a family to find out what he or she is interested in, where he or she would like to visit and why.

Get the children involved from the planning stages of a holiday right through to the activities they would like to participate in once on the vacation. Spending quality time with your children and listening to them when both they and you are relaxed will enhance your relationship and open the channels of communication within your family.

Lastly, and most importantly, familiarise yourself with the Children’s Charter of South Africa. Each child in our country is entitled to basic human rights, the right to an education, the right to a family and a home and the right to be protected from violence, child labour and economic exploitation.

Children must be seen and heard. It is up to us to help them understand that with a healthy dose of confidence and self worth, they can make a significant difference in their own lives and in the lives of others.