Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso is expected to officiate Day of African Child commemoration to be held at Thaba-Tseka on June 29. According to the Ministry of Gender, Youth, Spots, Culture and Social Development Public Relations Officer Mrs. Mpho Makhetha, African child day, which is usually commemorated on June 16 is intended to raise awareness on the importance of addressing child issues and promotion of their rights.

She indicated that as part of the commemoration, the Department of Social Development through the Queen will launch a five-year budget plan which will guide government ministries and the private sector on how best to address and prevent child abuse. Meanwhile it is expected that the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) which relocated in Lesotho a few years ago would join the department in the commemoration if it does not have its own activities aimed to mark this day.

The ACERWC draws its mandate from articles 32-46 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, which was adopted by the Heads of State and Government of the OAU on July 11, 1990, and came into force on November 29, 1999. The day of African Child is commemorated annually on June 16 to, amongst others; reflect on the progress made towards children’s rights as well as the barriers they continue to face. It also honors those who participated in the Soweto Uprising in 1976.