Children exercise their right to play

01 June 2023

With children’s rights being squarely in the spotlight this week through the commemoration of International Children’s Day (1 June), Child Protection Week (28 May – 4 June) and World Play Day (28 May), the City’s Community Services and Health Directorate facilitated numerous events in support of these commemorative days. 

'Our Directorate has a very active role in the advancement of children's rights and their overall well-being. City Health takes care of their primary healthcare and nutritional needs, Recreation and Parks provides access to safe spaces for play and exploration in our parks and our sporting facilities; the Libraries feed the minds, and Social Development is involved in Early Childhood Development, which is critical to early learning and general development. These are important issues, but we also like to have fun while doing it, and we recently did just that, on World Play Day. I want to thank everyone involved in making the day special for our young participants,' said Mayoral Committee Member, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.

In Khayelitsha, 700 learners from 25 Early Childhood Development Centres in the area gathered at Mandela Park on Friday, 26 May for a day of fun and festivities, with the help of Sikhula Sonke ECD. Not only did they work up a sweat, but also aided their physical, mental and social capabilities by using learned physical skills such as hand-eye coordination, muscle strength and balance.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office