Children everywhere depend entirely on the support and love they receive from us. Sadly, many of our children are neglected, abused, abandoned or live in dire poverty. Unemployment has deepened the crisis in which many of our children live, and HIV/AIDS has resulted in some very young children being forced to take over the running of the household and the care of smaller children.

Childen's Day, which falls on 1st June is honoured in many countries. The day has its origin in the World Conference for the Wellbeing of Children, which took place in Geneva, Switzerland in 1925.

In 1995, South Africa signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child and is bound by its provisions. This signalled our early commitment to building a society in which children receive adequate care and protection within warm and affirming families and communities.

Our children are vulnerable. And their needs and concerns require our particular attention throughout the month of June. Let us use this period to focus on the needs of society's youngest and most fragile members. Let us find ways to strengthen existing initiatives, and identify other means by which we can improve the lives of our children.

I salute all those in the Western Cape who have made children their special focus. Today should mark a new determination to work towards a better life for our children in our Home for All.

A Home for All ~ 'n Tuiste vir Almal ~ iKhaya Lethu Sonke