derick.khumalo
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
BULAWAYO Metropolitan Province has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national efforts to protect vulnerable children, with authorities calling for stronger and more coordinated responses to emerging threats facing children.
Speaking during the opening of the National Child Protection Conference at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) in Bulawayo, the Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, said the challenges confronting children today had become increasingly complex and required innovative and sustainable solutions.
She said children were facing a range of threats, including violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation, harmful social practices, human trafficking, cyber threats, as well as vulnerabilities associated with migration and displacement.
“These realities demand innovative, coordinated and sustainable responses. A fragmented, business-as-usual approach can no longer adequately address these evolving risks,” said Minister Ncube.
She said Bulawayo was proud to support national efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable children and strengthening child protection systems.
Minister Ncube welcomed delegates from across Zimbabwe and beyond, saying their presence demonstrated a shared commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity and wellbeing of every child.
She commended the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, UNICEF Zimbabwe and the Government of Sweden for organising the conference.
The conference also marked the launch of two key policy frameworks — the National Action Plan for Children (2026–2030) and the National Child Online Protection Policy.
Minister Ncube said the policies reaffirm Zimbabwe’s commitment to creating an environment in which every child is protected, nurtured and empowered to realise his or her full potential.
She said Government remained committed to strengthening integrated child protection systems through a whole-of-Government and whole-of-society approach.
“Protecting children is not solely the responsibility of one ministry or institution. It is a shared responsibility that calls upon families, communities, schools, religious institutions, development partners, the private sector and every citizen to play their part,” she said.
Minister Ncube said Bulawayo had also been supporting vulnerable children affected by migration through facilities established by Government and its partners to receive, protect and facilitate the safe reintegration of vulnerable children and families returning to the country.
“These initiatives reflect our commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind, regardless of their circumstances,” she said.
She urged stakeholders attending the conference to share knowledge, exchange best practices and develop practical solutions that would strengthen child protection systems and translate policy commitments into measurable improvements in the lives of children.
“Children are our nation’s greatest asset. The decisions we make today will shape not only their future, but also the future prosperity, peace and development of Zimbabwe. Let this conference renew our determination to build communities where every child is safe, protected, valued and given every opportunity to thrive,” said Minister Ncube.
