Story by Mhlomuli Ncube, Assistant News Editor
THE Government has launched the National Action Plan for Children IV (2026–2030) and the Zimbabwe National Child Online Protection Policy, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding the rights, welfare and future of children.
Vice President Colonel (Rtd) Dr Kembo Mohadi launched the two frameworks in Bulawayo on Friday, saying they respond to growing threats facing children at home, in schools and in the digital space.
The Government has intensified efforts to strengthen child protection through comprehensive policies and advocacy aimed at creating a safe and supportive environment for every child.
Vice President Colonel (Rtd) Dr Mohadi said the initiatives are aligned with the country’s national development agenda.
“Every child in our nation matters equally, and children with disabilities deserve equal treatment and enjoyment of their inalienable rights. Accordingly, I commit this Government to turn words of compassion into concrete, measurable change by expanding inclusive quality education, scaling up affordable healthcare and community-based rehabilitation, strengthening social protection, enforcing laws that protect the rights of persons with disabilities, investing in accessible infrastructure and assistive technologies, and working with families, traditional and religious leaders and organisations of persons with disabilities to combat stigma and scale innovative solutions,” he said.
Government ministries and departments pledged to support implementation of the two policy frameworks.
Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Judith Ncube, said, “Today’s gathering is historic as it marks the launch of two landmark policies. These frameworks reaffirm Zimbabwe’s unwavering commitment to creating an environment where every child is protected.”
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Honourable Chido Sanyatwe, highlighted the importance of birth registration.
“Child protection is a shared national responsibility. Registration of children is important in child protection, and the ministry has significantly reduced the costs families incur to register births,” she said.
Deputy Minister of Information, Communication, Postal Technology and Courier Services, Honourable Dingumuzi Phuthi, said, “No child should have to navigate a digital environment that was not designed with their safety in mind.”
Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Reverend Paul Damasane, added, “Investing in children is not merely a social duty; it is an imperative. There is no Vision 2030 without safe children.”
Development partners also reaffirmed their support for Zimbabwe’s child protection agenda.
Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of Sweden, Mr David Diaby, said “Child protection is not a cost but an investment.”
UNICEF Zimbabwe Representative, Ms Etona Ekole, said “Every child deserves to be safe wherever they are, in the physical world and digital spaces. These policies must translate into tangible results for children and their families.”
The launch of the two policy frameworks underscores the Government’s commitment to strengthening child protection and investing in the future of Zimbabwe’s children.
