General
Source: SouthAfrica.info
As a celebration of National Women's Day, Brand South Africa has urged all South Africans to play their part in the development of the country's girl children.
"Our children are our nation's greatest resource. We must all do whatever we can to ensure our children are nourished, educated and safe," Brand South Africa CEO, Miller Matola, said in a statement.
"International research has shown that a nation's growth and competitiveness are influenced by the development of its young citizens since they are the future adults.
"If children do not receive the necessary nutrition, their physical and mental growth is stunted. If children do not get the required education, they cannot gain the skills to ensure South Africa remains competitive with sustainable economic growth," he said.
"This Women's Day we call on South Africans to play their part to ensure our children, and particularly our girl children, stay in school.
"Educated girl children grow into adults who make different choices about their lives and their families are healthier when they have them. They are able to contribute to a nation's economic growth in various areas. Therefore we should each make the development of our girl children a priority," he said.
"Our efforts will be a fitting tribute to the women who braved an inhumane and brutal system of oppression to march to the Union Buildings in 1956.
It will do the memory of warriors like Charlotte Maxeke - the first South African black woman to hold a degree - proud if each of us plays a part in nourishing our children, and particularly our girl children, physically and mentally. Each of us can thereby play a part in driving our nation's development," concluded Matola.