In a powerful call to action, King Mswati III of Eswatini has challenged Southern African Development Community (SADC) nations to take a groundbreaking step: directly involve children in the review of laws that shape their lives. This bold move, delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla at the Regional World Children’s Day event in Botswana, underscores the urgency of prioritizing children’s voices in policy-making. But here’s where it gets thought-provoking: Can we truly create laws that serve children without letting them have a say? And this is the part most people miss—children aren’t just the future; they’re active stakeholders in the present.
The event, themed “My Day, My Rights: From Promises to Action,” brought together eight SADC leaders, including Botswana’s President Advocate Duma Boko, alongside delegations of children from across the region. Eswatini’s delegation stood out, featuring 10 children, including those with disabilities, and the ENOUGH Campaign Ambassador, Hlelo Nsibandze. Deputy Prime Minister Dladla, joined by Minister of Education Owen Nxumalo, emphasized the need to move beyond reactive measures and adopt a proactive, intentional approach to children’s issues.
“We’ve heard their innocent voices,” Dladla remarked, “voices urging us to act before problems escalate, to be deliberate in addressing their concerns.” She added, “Listening to them today, it’s clear we haven’t done enough. This is a wake-up call for our leaders to re-examine every policy and law affecting children.”
The children themselves didn’t hold back. They raised critical issues like disability inclusion, school inequality, and teacher preparedness. One participant poignantly noted, “Accessible community centers would help us navigate our disabilities and feel truly included.”
President Boko echoed this sentiment, reminding leaders of their regional duty. “This event challenges us to renew our commitments and ensure no child is left behind,” he said. “Global leaders must rethink how they engage with children and youth.”
In a symbolic gesture, President Boko passed a torch to Lesotho’s Head of Government, marking the handover of hosting duties for next year’s event. Meanwhile, Eswatini’s delegation, which departed on Friday, returned home on November 16, 2025, carrying with them the weight of these conversations.
But here’s the controversial question: Are we ready to give children a seat at the table, or will their voices remain on the sidelines? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation we can’t afford to ignore.
