IN CONVERSATION WITH Mesuli Kama, Network Mobilisation Lead for Hold My Hand Accelerator for Children and Teens in suppo
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South Africa’s long-term stability, economic growth and social wellbeing may rest on a remarkably simple foundation — ensuring that every child grows up with love, food, safety, stimulation and access to healthcare.
This is the central message from DG Murray Trust (DGMT) CEO David Harrison, following Cabinet’s approval of the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children, a national framework designed to fast-track improvements in the lives of children and adolescents.
In a recent Daily Maverick opinion piece, Harrison argues that while South Africa has made notable progress since the advent of democracy, too many children remain trapped in conditions that place their futures — and the country’s — at serious risk.
“Children are programmed to thrive from the moment they are conceived,” Harrison notes, “except those born with lifelong medical conditions. For most children, all that is required is a nurturing environment — love, food, safety, stimulation and healthcare.”
Yet millions of South African children are still denied these basic necessities.
Progress Made — But Warning Signs Emerging
Over the past three decades, children in South Africa have generally become healthier, better educated and more financially secure than their parents were. Improvements in child mortality rates, access to education and social protection have been among democracy’s most significant achievements.
However, Harrison warns that at least one-third of the country’s children continue to live on the edge of profound vulnerability, and several key gains are beginning to stall or reverse.
Indicators such as child malnutrition, poverty and preventable deaths — widely regarded as early warning signs of future national wellbeing — are now moving in the wrong direction.
“These outcomes are lead indicators of the future health, wealth and stability of our country,” Harrison says. “If they decline, so does our future.”
A Strategy Built on Basic but Powerful Priorities
Approved by Cabinet in December 2025, the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children identifies 10 priority areas aimed at fast-tracking change in the lives of children and teenagers.
This is the central message from DG Murray Trust (DGMT) CEO David Harrison, following Cabinet’s approval of the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children, a national framework designed to fast-track improvements in the lives of children and adolescents.
In a recent Daily Maverick opinion piece, Harrison argues that while South Africa has made notable progress since the advent of democracy, too many children remain trapped in conditions that place their futures — and the country’s — at serious risk.
“Children are programmed to thrive from the moment they are conceived,” Harrison notes, “except those born with lifelong medical conditions. For most children, all that is required is a nurturing environment — love, food, safety, stimulation and healthcare.”
Yet millions of South African children are still denied these basic necessities.
Progress Made — But Warning Signs Emerging
Over the past three decades, children in South Africa have generally become healthier, better educated and more financially secure than their parents were. Improvements in child mortality rates, access to education and social protection have been among democracy’s most significant achievements.
However, Harrison warns that at least one-third of the country’s children continue to live on the edge of profound vulnerability, and several key gains are beginning to stall or reverse.
Indicators such as child malnutrition, poverty and preventable deaths — widely regarded as early warning signs of future national wellbeing — are now moving in the wrong direction.
“These outcomes are lead indicators of the future health, wealth and stability of our country,” Harrison says. “If they decline, so does our future.”
A Strategy Built on Basic but Powerful Priorities
Approved by Cabinet in December 2025, the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children identifies 10 priority areas aimed at fast-tracking change in the lives of children and teenagers.
