7 June 2004

By Clifford Mogotsi

MOGALE City's Centenary Hall was a buzz of excitement on Saturday when over 2 000 children gathered to celebrate Children's Day, included in National Child Protection Week projects.

MC for the day was young SABC presenter Kedibone Mkhabela, who encouraged the children to air their views and aspirations.

Quoting the Children's Charter, 10-year-old Nikita Grunewat told the crowd: "I am real person and have a right to be treated with respect and dignity - and I have the responsibility to treat others with respect and dignity."

Muhammed Ebrahim, 11, from Azaadville said he wanted to become an electrician. "I want to be the best electrician in South Africa. I want to help people and my father, who owns a business."

Seven-year-old Tebogo Tlharaki wished to be a policeman, while 12-year-old Dudu Kani said she hoped to become and a senior nurse.

Organised by Mogale City executive mayor Lentswe Mokgatle - who reminded children, "You have a right to have an education, be fed - but you also have responsibility to respect and learn" - the event was also an opportunity to pass on anti-abuse messages.

Mokgatle added: "This is your day, enjoy yourselves."

Mayor of the West Rand Region, Sister Barnard, smiled broadly as she watched children rushing around. "We are so happy Mogale City has put children at the centre - entertaining them during Child Protection Week," she said. "I want each and everyone of you to be happy today."

The two mayors presented the children born 10 years ago - at the start of South Africa's transition to democracy - with certificates.

The atmosphere reached a climax when stocky kwaito star Msawawa, along with Chippa and Mzambia, took to the stage. Other guests present for the big bash were MEC Bob Mabaso, director for social development Nomsa Mbere and Mogale City councillor Eunice Segatlhe.

Aneesa Ebrahim, 14, Felleng Mahanke, 13 and Grunewat read the Children's Charter to all those at the function:

• I have the right to be taken seriously - and the responsibility to listen to others.
• I have the right to quality medical care - and the responsibility to take care of myself.
• I have the right to privacy - and the responsibility to respect others privacy.
• I have the right to a good education - and the responsibility to study and respect my teachers.
• I have the right to be loved and protected harm - and the responsibility to show others love and care.
• I have the right to own belongings - and the responsibility to respect other people's belongings
• I have the right to special care - and the responsibility to be the best person I can be.
• I have the right to a say in my care, and any changes to how I am cared for - and must take responsibility for my actions.
• I have the right to make mistakes - and the responsibility to learn from my mistakes.
• I have the right to be well, fed - and responsibility not to waste food.
• I have the right to a safe and comfortable home - and the responsibility to keep it neat and clean.
• I have the right to be proud of my heritage and beliefs - and the responsibility to respect other's origins and beliefs.
• I have a right to be told the house rules where I can live - and the responsibility to keep to them.
• I have a right to a lawyer in courtroom and hearing affecting my future - and the responsibility to be truthful.
• I am a real person and have a right to be treated with respect and dignity - and the responsibility to treat others with respect and dignity.