Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
VICE-PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi has reaffirmed the Second Republic’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for every child through strengthened education systems, enhanced social protection programmes and intensified efforts to end child marriages, child labour, adolescent pregnancies and online violence.
Officially launching the National Action Plan for Children IV (2026-2030) and the National Child Online Protection Policy in Bulawayo yesterday, VP Mohadi said the two frameworks had been developed to address emerging threats confronting children in an increasingly digital and rapidly evolving society.
He said Government had deliberately incorporated emerging issues such as child online protection, consent, cyber violence and the growing nexus between child labour and online exploitation.
“I am confident that the National Action Plan for Children IV (2026-2030) and the National Child Online Protection Policy will serve as a comprehensive and adaptive framework for our efforts to respond to the evolving needs of our children,” he said.
VP Mohadi said the two policy frameworks would strengthen Zimbabwe’s child protection systems while addressing gaps identified in previous national action plans.
“I am also confident that this framework will rectify shortcomings of previous plans and encompass a broader range of interventions that will effectively mitigate the impact of violence on children’s lives,” he said.
The Vice-President said Government’s objective was not merely to formulate policies but to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of children across the country.
“We should remove our children from the streets, get our children out of the mines and ensure that our classrooms are filled. However, policy on its own cannot overcome deep-rooted cultural challenges. It requires a whole-of-society approach driven by sustained commitment, collaboration and collective action from every sector of society. That is the only way we can succeed.”
VP Mohadi said the Government’s “Not in My Village” campaign, being implemented in partnership with traditional leaders, was gaining momentum as part of efforts to eradicate child marriages, keep children in school and protect vulnerable minors.
He said the launch of the two frameworks was in line with the Second Republic’s people-centred development agenda and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which prioritises human capital development and social protection.
“The Government is dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for every child by strengthening access to quality education, promoting child welfare and combating violence against children while preserving our heritage and cultural values,” said VP Mohadi.
He said Zimbabwe had made significant strides in expanding access to education, with more than 90 percent of school-age children now enrolled in school.
The Vice-President said initiatives aimed at promoting girls’ education and improving school retention were yielding positive results, particularly among vulnerable and marginalised communities.
“Through initiatives that promote girls’ education and retention in school, we have registered notable progress in reducing dropout rates among adolescent girls, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds,” he said.
VP Mohadi also reaffirmed Government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of children with disabilities.
“Every child in our nation matters equally and children with disabilities deserve equal treatment and enjoyment of their inalienable rights,” he said.
He said Government was expanding inclusive education through the deployment of trained teachers, the provision of appropriate learning materials and improved accommodation facilities for learners with disabilities.
Efforts were also being intensified to strengthen early identification of disabilities, community-based rehabilitation programmes and specialised support services, particularly in rural areas.
To improve the welfare of children with disabilities, VP Mohadi said Government would continue strengthening disability grants, cash transfer programmes and other social protection interventions.
“We will continue accelerating the implementation and enforcement of laws and international commitments that protect the rights of persons with disabilities while investing in accessible public infrastructure, transport systems, assistive technologies and communication tools,” he said.
The Vice President called on Government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, communities and persons with disabilities to work together in tackling stigma, discrimination and other vulnerabilities affecting children.
“For too long, children in the harshest and most vulnerable circumstances have remained a stain on our conscience and a challenge to our development aspirations. The National Action Plan for Children provides a concrete roadmap, resources and accountability mechanisms necessary to translate our political commitment into tangible protection for every child,” he said.
VP Mohadi said Government would establish clear implementation targets, publish progress reports and continue mobilising resources to ensure accountability and the effective implementation of child protection programmes.
He reiterated Government’s commitment to working with regional and international partners to ensure every child enjoys their rights in a safe, dignified and supportive environment, in line with Vision 2030 and Zimbabwe’s international obligations on children’s rights.
In her welcome remarks, Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube said Bulawayo Province would continue complementing national efforts to strengthen child protection systems.
She said children today face increasingly complex threats, including violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation, harmful cultural practices, human trafficking, cybercrime and 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. Bulawayo is proud to support national efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable children and strengthening child protection systems,” said Minister Ncube.
