King Mswati III warns against child abuse

The King called upon parents, guardians, community leaders and other stakeholders relevant in the upbringing of a child, to desist from subjecting children to abuse as such was against the law.

He also said the enactment of the Children’s Protection and Welfare Bill was done at the right time when all necessary precautions in terms of the upbringing of a child were put into place.

The King said this yesterday when officially opening phase one and two of the Amitofo Philani Maswati Care Centre at Makhonza in the Maseyisini constituency.

A total amount of E25 million was channelled towards the project.

The event was also attended by Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, Prime Minister Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini, Cabinet ministers, Master Hu-li of the Amitofo Care Centre, Ambassador Peter Tsai of the Republic of China on Taiwan, Wang Chien-Yeh, who is the Director General of West Asian and African Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China on Taiwan.

"The Children’s Protection and Welfare Bill could not have come at a better time than now when all the necessary architecture for the safe keep and upbringing of our children in the kingdom is in pl- ace.

"It clearly states the aspirations of Swazis in raising a child in honour and dignity because they are assets we so dearly love.

"The nation has experienced an increase in the number of orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC), hence this facility has come at an appropriate time.

"The majority of children living in these facilities have either lost both their parents due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic and other chronic diseases or are placed for their protection against various forms of abuse.

"We need to develop children who will make meaningful contributions to their own lives, families and the overall development of the nation," the King said.

His Majesty emphasised the need for educating children with skills and ideas and praised Amitofo Care Centre (ACC) for instilling discipline, respect and determination towards a positive life for the children accommodated by the orphanage.

He said he was happy that the philosophy of the ACC was to develop a child driven by national duties.

"Education is golden and a great key to success. However, we can only realise our national objectives if we strengthen our educational system so that children are equipped with appropriate educational skills.

"I am also happy to note that the centre teaches our children respect, discipline and encourages them to uphold their culture, despite the influence and implementation of the Chinese culture.

"The nation is confident that every child, who is a product of this institution, will become a responsible citizen and role models to the children living in surrounding communities," the King said.

The event was spiced by fitness and martial arts performances by children from Malawi and those accommodated at the care centre.

The Ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan said the orphanage had admitted 54 children, between the ages of three to 10 so far and were taught culture and traditions of siSwati and Mandarin.

Meanwhile, Wang Chien-Yeh assured the King that both coun- tries would continue to work toget-her.

After opening the orphanage, the King planted a tree and toured the facilities where he was also briefed about its operations.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: