In his weekly address, President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that, despite democratic progress, nearly half of the country’s children live in poverty and face abuse, neglect, and health problems.

The National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC) will be implemented through the fifth National Action Plan (2025-2030) and seeks to mobilize all sectors of society.

“The best way to ensure the future of our country is to invest in the health and well-being of its children,” the president stated. Although child poverty decreased from 69% in 2006 to 49% in 2023, children remain the most affected population group, with the highest rate compared to any other age group, the president added.

The new strategy identifies ten national priorities aligned with key developmental stages, focusing especially on adolescents and children with disabilities.

In his letter, Ramaphosa emphasized maternal and child malnutrition as a critical problem that undermines health, education, and long-term life prospects.

“We must break this domino effect,” he insisted.

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