The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, under the leadership of Executive Mayor Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, has launched the Anti-Child Poverty Campaign at the Govan Mbeki Multi-Purpose Centre in Port Elizabeth.
The initiative is a united effort to confront the realities of child poverty while creating long-term solutions for vulnerable children and their families. It brings together key partners such as the Department of Home Affairs, SASSA, Eastern Cape provincial departments of Health, Education, Social Development, Justice and Correctional Services, SAPS, non-profit organisations, and the private sector.
Services offered through the campaign include:
- Documentation and certification to ensure children have valid legal records
- Child support grant registration to ease financial burdens
- Referrals and placement for vulnerable children
- Support for single mothers to strengthen households
- Access to schools and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres
- Primary healthcare services for children and families
- Child nutrition programmes to fight hunger and support healthy growth
Delivering her keynote address, Mayor Lobishe said the campaign is not just a municipal initiative but a collective mission.
“The launch of this campaign is a call to action for all stakeholders, government, civil society, faith-based organisations, the private sector, and educational institutions. This is not just a municipal campaign, it is district-wide, collaborative, and integrated. Our mission is to fight child poverty on every front and in every form. Child poverty is not only about statistics. It has faces, names, homes, and schools. It is a reality we see every day across Nelson Mandela Bay, and one we are determined to change.”
The campaign will work through seven focus pillars: juvenile offenders, documentation and certification, child support grant registration, Early Childhood Development and schooling, referrals and places of safety, support to mothers, and primary healthcare and nutrition.
As part of the launch, the Executive Mayor handed over school uniforms to learners, giving them the tools to step confidently into the classroom.
Ward 33 Councillor Mzandile Sidina welcomed the initiative, saying:
“I am grateful to the mayor for bringing this innovation to Ward 33. I am confident that it will bring positive change to our area.”
Resident Nokwayiyo Kemele also expressed appreciation, noting that receiving uniforms made the programme even more meaningful for families.
Why this matters
Child poverty remains one of the most pressing issues facing Nelson Mandela Bay. Many families struggle with food insecurity, lack of documentation, and limited access to education and healthcare. This campaign provides direct, practical interventions that tackle these challenges head-on. By combining the efforts of government, civil society, and the private sector, the municipality is building a safety net that can break the cycle of poverty and create opportunities for children to thrive.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality calls on all residents, community organisations, and partners to support this campaign and help secure a better future for every child.
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