​The Gauteng Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, MEC Mbali Hlophe has encouraged children admitted in government run Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs) across the province to become future leaders despite their past traumas and exposure to many social ills.
Hlophe was speaking to over hundred and twelve (112) children at Mary Moodley CYCC in Benoni, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday 27 January 2024.

The visit formed part of the Back-to-School Campaign to guide learners about their schooling as well as to hand over stationery, school bags, and dignity packs to both girls and boys.

“We brought young people to speak to you in a language that you understand. Our message today is to encourage you to never give up. Part of never giving up is about taking care of yourselves and taking your education seriously,” said Hlophe.

She added, “What you are taught in class is going to be critical for you in the future. People like our celebrity guest today, Musa Keys would not have been able to understand the signing of contracts, or the music business had they not taken their education serious.”

“As children and youth in our care facilities, you are the luckiest in the country because you have the government directly taking care of you. So, this means everything that you require as a child, is on your doorsteps. You have clinics in your facilities, and our Social Workers are immediately in direct contact. When you need food and shelter, you have it.”

“So, you are the luckiest children and must take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the state. Forget about your struggles, hardships, and where you come from because you now have the backing of our government,” Hlophe said.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development has nine (9) Child and Youth Care Centres that have school going children. Out of those, seven (7) have in-house schools managed by the Gauteng Department of Education while two (2) have children going on the outside schools.