Chairperson and hon members, do the children of our country know that today is International Children's Day? I doubt it. I believe that this sitting should have occurred in the morning. If that had happened, all the schools could have received the broadcast and the learners would have had firsthand information about International Children's Day.
In Sawubona, the SAA in-flight magazine of May 2010, there is an interview with Mr Miyere Miyandazi, a Maasai warrior from Kenya, who started his walk from Kenya to South Africa in August 2004. He said his work involved restoring the respect and dignity that children deserve, and I quote:
We have done a lot of damage to these kids for so many years, but are children not our future? What kind of a society turns away from its own future?
Cope believes that after we have made our speeches everything will be as it was the day before, last week, last month and last year. Millions of children in South Africa will continue to be abused emotionally, physically, psychologically and sexually. Young girls will continue to be raped and be threatened with death to keep them quiet. Many will fall pregnant while still at school. The number of vulnerable children, orphans, and child-headed households will continue to increase. Thousands of young children will be exposed to drugs and alcohol, become drug smugglers and addicted to drugs and alcohol.
The Maasai from Kenya further said, and I quote:
Despite the hardships, the abuse, the misunderstandings, the children are worldly-wise beyond our own experience, able to survive better than any of us without access to money or support. They know the ins and outs of the city, where to find shelter and food, whom to trust and whom to stay away from.
After we finish speaking here today, millions of children in our country will still receive an inferior education. Very few learners will take up science and mathematics. The vocabulary deficit in respect of mother tongue and English will remain the single biggest hurdle in education. Computer education will also remain out of reach and very few children will have access to the internet.
While it is correct that we should celebrate childhood and make today a memorable day for children, we should also take a hard look at the balance sheet. Nationally and globally, each year should see an advance in the rights of children.
In Africa, particularly in our country, the scale of human suffering caused by HIV and Aids is staggering and children bear the brunt of the scourge. Today we have many orphans and child-headed households and our children do not know how to be children. Their role as children has been overtaken by parenting roles. As a result, our children experience a very harsh existence.
Each year on 20 November Universal Children's Day takes place. The United Nations General Assembly first proclaimed this day in 1954. We can use 1 June and 20 November to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children; and secondly to initiate action to benefit and promote the welfare of our children, as well as children around the world. Every Children's Day must be seen as a symbol of worldwide fraternity, understanding and as an opportunity to promote the welfare of children.
Cope appreciates that each year we will have an opportunity to talk about children. However, if we are only going to be paying lip service, we will neglect our constitutional duty. South Africa as the host country for the 2010 Fifa World Cup is lagging behind in criminalising, investigating and prosecuting child traffickers.
On behalf of Cope, I trust that next year action will take precedence over words. Our children are our future and right now, in many ways, we are not doing enough for them. Please, let us change our attitude and show more commitment for the welfare of our children. Let us reclaim our ubuntu and use the adage, "Your child is my child and my child is your child", with much conviction and pride.
Therefore, it is our responsibility as a host country that has signed and ratified the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, to provide measures to protect, assist and educate potential victims and the general public. The World Cup is starting in 10 days. Can we say we have made great strides in providing the above measures?
This day, each year, must be an important day in the school calendar. Last year, Chinese president, Hu Jintao visited two primary schools in Beijing on the eve of International Children's Day as children get a day's holiday on 1 June. He joined the children in language classes, games and kite painting, and wished them a healthy and bright future. At another school, he happily joined several other students in finishing a mosaic map of China, using pieces of egg shell. Let all South African parliamentarians follow suit.
The children of Gaza are suffering the physical effects of violence and relentless war is destroying the mental health of children. As the Israeli blockade continues, the children suffer acutely. It was during the 1925 World Conference for the Well-being of Children, held in Geneva, where 1 June was proclaimed International Children's Day.
Lastly, Cope would like to applaud the way Bafana Bafana played last night and wish them success in the World Cup. South Africans, the World Cup is here. Feel it! [Time expired.] [Applause.]