“Babusisiwe abenzi bokuthula”.  “Blessed are the peacemakers”. 

In a world scarred by violence and hatred, the imperative to be peacemakers resonates profoundly. It is a divine mandate, reminding us of our responsibility to bring peace to a world in turmoil. Albert Luthuli epitomized this spirit of peace. On December 10th, 1961, amidst a nation torn by conflict and fear, he stood in Oslo and received the Nobel Peace Prize, a testament to his unwavering commitment to peace in South Africa and Africa.

I was deeply humbled and honoured to receive this Citation of Honour for my dedication to the advancement and protection of human rights. This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a reaffirmation of the critical importance of human and children’s rights in our society and the work done to protect and affirm such rights. These rights are the foundation of our shared humanity, guiding us in our pursuit of justice, equality, and dignity for all, especially our children.

I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported me on this journey. Firstly, it’s only God who gave me my purpose and so grateful to Him for His grace, love and guidance every day.  I am deeply indebted to my husband Basil, my children, my 16 beloved grandchildren, the dedicated colleagues and Trustees at Give a Child a Family Africa, our dear friends, and the myriad individuals and organisations committed to championing human and children’s rights. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in advancing our cause.

This award is a tribute to the countless children who have suffered and continue to suffer from the scourge of war, disease, pain, neglect, abandonment and abuse. It is a recognition of their resilience and a call to action for us to do more. I am grateful to the South African Human Rights Commissioner for acknowledging this work.

We will continue our fight for children to be in secure families.  Children’s lives matter, yet they are often voiceless and overlooked. We, as duty-bearers and human beings, must ensure that decisions made for them are in their best interests. This is why my current work at the South African National Child Rights Coalition (SANCRC) is important. The mission of the Coalition is to facilitate coordinated civil society communication and advocacy for a stronger national child rights governance system that ensures that children’s rights to survive, protection, to develop to their full potential and participate are recognised and advanced as a national rights-based, development priority by all role players. With over a hundred and thirty members, the Coalition fulfils its mission by holding duty bearers accountable for safeguarding children’s best interests, among other initiatives.

Human rights are not mere words on a page; they demand action. They require us to stand against injustice, speak out against oppression, and work tirelessly for a more just and equitable world, especially for our children. This Citation of Honour is not the culmination of my journey; it is a reminder of the work that lies ahead.

I pledge, by the grace of God, to continue my efforts to promote and protect human and children’s rights and to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts wherever they arise. Together, let us build a world where these rights are truly universal and enjoyed by all, including children.

Thank you to the South African Human Rights Commissioner, once again for this honour together with Albertina Luthuli and other beautiful people and wonderful organisations, for making South Africa a better place for the coming generations.  God bless you, and God bless South Africa. 

Monica Woodhouse