​The Gauteng Social Development MEC, Faith Mazibuko, welcomed child delegates from across the African continent to the Africa Children’s Summit held at St. John’s College in Parktown, Johannesburg, on Saturday, 06 April 2025.
The Africa Children’s Summit, observed under the theme “Creating a safe platform for African children’s voices, empowering them to directly influence the development of policies for a brighter tomorrow,” saw young people discussing pressing challenges affecting their well-being, their rights, and amplifying their voices in governance. Furthermore, the summit reviewed the progress made on previous recommendations and forged action able solutions  for a brighter future.
 
Speaking to over 1,000 children from across the continent present at the venue and those who had joined the summit virtually, Mazibuko said, “As Gauteng, we are privileged to be hosting you, and we hope that this summit will yield resolutions that will assist us in government to take care of you and implement all these policies.”
 
“Drug abuse is a serious problem among young people. We wish to call upon you, as you discuss and debate today, to further address the issues of drugs and alcohol because they are destroying your future.”

“We hope that as you leave at the end of the summit, we will receive a resolution that will guide us as a government. The fight against drug and alcohol abuse begins with you. Rehabilitation alone is not enough; we need you to close the market so that we can have a sober society,” said Mazibuko.
 
She added, “Today, as we stand in front of you, we wish you well as you discuss and participate in various themes. As the Gauteng Provincial Government, we thank you for choosing us as your preferred destination.”