Nal’ibali's march in Durban: A call to protect children

Nal’ibali, a national reading for enjoyment campaign hosted a march in Durban to mark the conclusion of Child Protection Week which ran from Thursday May 29 until Thursday June 5.

This event that took place on Thursday, served as a call to action, urging communities to unite in protecting children and fostering safe environments where they can thrive.

Nal’ibali aims to spark and sustain a love of reading in children across South Africa from birth to 12 years old.

Through its network of reading clubs, storytelling sessions, and community-based initiatives, Nal’ibali works to ensure that every child in South Africa has the opportunity to become a reader and a writer.

The march started at 9am at King Dinizulu Park and ended at Gugu Dlamini Park and aligned with the 2025 national theme, “Act Now, Stand Against Child Abuse and Exploitation.”

This march underscores the crucial message that child protection is not a temporary concern but a continuous responsibility that must be upheld relentlessly, said Sibongiseni Blose, Nal’ibali's child protection officer and social worker.

“The protection of children cannot be confined to a specific time-frame; it is a duty we must embrace every day,” she said.

The march is supported by the eThekwini Municipality, various partners and schools throughout Durban, reflecting the widespread commitment to this call, said Nal’ibali communication officer, Suri Tsholetsane.

Children are the heart of our communities, and we have a responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being,” said Ms Tsholetsane. She added that the march showed Nal’ibali’s strong commitment to protecting children and creating safe places where they can learn and grow.

At the end of the march, participants had the opportunity to sign a pledge, solidifying their commitment to safeguarding children in their lives and fostering nurturing environments conducive to learning and growth.

Through this powerful demonstration, Nal’ibali aims to galvanise communities, raise awareness, and foster a collective sense of responsibility towards ensuring the safety, well-being, and empowerment of children, said Ms Tsholetsane.“

By joining forces, individuals, organisations, and institutions can create a society where every child is cherished, protected, and given the opportunity to reach their full potential, she said.