Pretoria – The South African government has approved a groundbreaking plan aimed at improving the health, safety, and development of the country’s children, acknowledging that their well-being is central to the nation’s future.
Earlier this month, Cabinet approved the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC), which will be implemented through the 5th National Plan of Action for Children 2025–2030.
The strategy was developed following extensive consultations with government departments, civil society, and children themselves.
President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed the importance of investing in young South Africans, saying, “The best way to secure our country’s future is to invest in the health and well-being of its children.”
The strategy identifies ten priority areas targeting children and adolescents, with special attention to those with disabilities. President Ramaphosa highlighted both the opportunities and risks faced by the nation’s youth: “Today, our children live on the edge of great possibility, but also great risk. Many children in our country continue to bear the ill-effects of poverty, which negatively affects their health, social, educational and other outcomes.”
Statistics South Africa data shows that child poverty has declined from 69% in 2006 to 49% in 2023. However, nearly half of all South African children still live in poverty, the highest rate among all age groups.
Early childhood development is a central focus of the strategy. The government cited ongoing challenges including maternal malnutrition, low-birth weights, and inadequate infant diets.
We pay tribute to the thousands of civil society activists who have championed child rights and provided care over many decades. Thank you to our health workers, teachers, child and youth care workers and social workers for protecting, developing and inspiring our children. We… pic.twitter.com/a98H1O9raN
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) December 15, 2025
“Because it is difficult for malnourished mothers to breastfeed, babies are being weaned onto low-protein diets, which lower their immunity and make them susceptible to infections,” Ramaphosa explained.
Crimes against children, including abuse, neglect, and abandonment, remain a significant concern. During Child Protection Month in May, more than 26,000 cases of child abuse and neglect were reported for the 2024/2025 financial year, with sexual abuse making up the majority of incidents.
The government is calling on all sectors of society to take action. President Ramaphosa emphasized the role of business: “Business has a critical role to play.
The private sector has considerable resources and logistics infrastructure that could be used to distribute food, toys, information to parents, and books to children in thousands of under-resourced early learning programmes across the country.”
He also noted the contribution of trade unions, stating, “Most workers are parents and need time and support to nurture their children.”
One initiative under the strategy is the national ‘Hold My Hand’ campaign, which urges every South African to take action to improve the lives of children.
“As 2025 draws to a close and we look towards the new year, ‘Hold my Hand’ calls on every person in South Africa to do just one thing to improve the lives of children,” Ramaphosa said.
The President concluded by paying tribute to those working on behalf of children: “We pay tribute to the thousands of civil society activists who have championed child rights and provided care over many decades. Thank you to our health workers, teachers, child and youth care workers and social workers for protecting, developing and inspiring our children. We also pay tribute to the parents, grandparents and relatives who care for the young in our society.”
The launch of the NSAAC and the 5th National Plan of Action for Children marks a major step in South Africa’s commitment to safeguarding its youngest citizens and building a more equitable future.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@inevitable_33
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
