Latest news with #NationalChildren'sDay
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Scotts Maphuma in Hot Water Over No-Show Drama
South African Amapiano star Scotts Maphuma is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. A video of musician Scotts Maphuma in a holding cell has set social media ablaze and sparked serious questions about the artist's no-show at one of Mozambique's biggest children's festivals. The artist was booked to headline a major National Children's Day festival in Mozambique, a high-profile event that draws thousands of families annually. But attendees said, 'Maphuma didn't just arrive late—he never showed up at all.' The drama began when the Amapiano artist posted a video on his Instagram, announcing that he was on his way to the festival. ALSO READ: 'It's a toxic cycle that wears me down': Nonku Williams quits Real Housewives of Durban However, what followed was confusion and disappointment as festivalgoers waited in vain for his performance. Hours passed, and there was still no sign of the star. Local reports and eyewitnesses claim that instead of heading directly to the event, Maphuma allegedly detoured to perform at a royal gathering, a move that has enraged both fans and parents who were waiting with their children. Mozambican netizens didn't hold back. Comments ranged from sarcastic jabs like 'Is he still arriving?' to serious backlash calling for his cancellation. Others added that he should 'never set foot in Mozambique again.' Soon, a video of him in a police cell was shared online. In Mozambique, laws regarding live performances require artists who are no-shows to refund their performance fees. The holding cell incident appears to be linked to this, although full details remain unclear. This incident follows a previous article by the Citizen, which highlighted Maphuma's unpredictable behaviour and rising controversy in the music scene. ALSO READ: Lord of the Rings strikes again! Inside Lebo M's latest engagement and marriage chronicles While Scotts raised eyebrows, this latest drama has seemingly confirmed growing concerns about the artist's professionalism. Maphuma later took to Instagram Live, offering no explanation but signalling he was no longer in custody. Still, the damage may already be done.
South Wales Argus
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Newport: National Children's Day celebrated at Cathedral
The event, attended by Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd, saw the youngsters perform songs and poems, tackling subjects such as racism in communities. Commissioner Mudd and Chief Constable Mark Hobrough also hosted a group of Heddlu Bach from Nant Celyn Primary School at Gwent Police headquarters. The children toured the building, visited the control room, and had the opportunity to question the Commissioner and Chief Constable. They also received a talk from the dog handling team and a special demonstration from police dog Ruby. Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd said: "National Children's Day celebrates the importance of healthy childhoods and protecting the rights and freedoms of children and young people. "One of my commitments as Police and Crime Commissioner is that I will do all that I can to ensure that children and young people are listened to and that what they are telling us shapes the way we deliver services. "I am working on a Children's Charter which will set out the way my office will work with children and young people going forward".
South Wales Argus
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Welsh Government ministers meet care experienced children
The Exploring Radical Reform Summit took place on May 11 and aims to help young people shape reforms to care services across Wales. Children aged nine to 14 in care joined 40 young leaders with care experience. Actor Michael Sheen, patron of Voices from Care Cymru, delivered special video messages to the attendees. Dawn Bowden, Welsh Government minister for children and social care, was in attendance to speak to attendees alongside the ministers for education, social justice, finance and Welsh language, and mental health and wellbeing, said: "Listening directly to young people with experience of care is essential to creating meaningful reform. "Including younger children for the first time this year brought fresh perspectives that will help us build a care system that truly meets their needs. "Their voices are not just being heard – they are actively shaping policy." She highlighted the relevance of the summit's timing, taking place in the same month as National Children's Day saying: "We want a Wales for all children, where every child feels valued, respected and heard." Young ambassador and co-chair of the event, Georgia Toman, said: "It really means a lot to care experienced young people that Welsh ministers spend time listening to us and taking us seriously."
Pembrokeshire Herald
12-05-2025
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Cyclists power into Tenby for Carten100 2025
CHILDREN'S playgrounds and play spaces across Wales are to be improved so youngsters have better opportunities to play within their local communities. The Welsh Government is providing an extra £5m to local authorities to purchase items to improve the quality of play spaces, refurbish playgrounds and support the creation of inclusive and accessible play spaces. Playing positively impacts children and families and is vital in a child's development, helping them to build their confidence, resilience and self-esteem. When considering their proposals, local authorities are being asked to gather the views of people including children and their families on play provision in their area; consider play opportunities that are inclusive and encourage all children to play and meet together, and improve access and safety. Minister for Children, Dawn Bowden visited the refurbished Williams Field Lane playground in Monmouth where she met parents and children who benefit from the facilities. Funding from the Active Travel Fund has been used to enhance the playground through the Williams Field Lane active travel scheme. This has seen a mixture of planting, natural eco-friendly play areas, equipment such as swings and a host of eco-friendly equipment for children's development like hedgehog houses put in place. The play area is also used as a Forest School and for ecological work by Overmonnow Primary School, with the Active Travel network providing safe access. A parent whose child goes to Overmonnow Primary School, said: 'We use the park every day after school, it is lovely to let the children play together and decompress after the school day.' Another parent said: 'The park is nice, especially if we are slightly early, then we can use it. Also, at the end of the school day the park is nice to stop off at.' Minister for Children, Dawn Bowden said: 'We want a Wales where all children feel physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy and can access their right to play. 'Playgrounds, such as Williams Field Lane playground, are fantastic places for children to play, make friends and enjoy themselves. 'This month we celebrate National Children's Day. This funding will improve children's experiences and help them build confidence and develop their skills. 'We will continue to work with local authorities and partners to support our ambitions in improving opportunities to play and promote the benefits of play for children's wellbeing.' Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant said: 'By working closely with local authorities, we're helping to ensure children in Wales have access to safe and engaging places to play, particularly in areas where families may face additional challenges. 'Our £5m investment in these vital community assets is more than just improving playgrounds. It's about investing in our children's development and wellbeing – and building stronger, better-connected communities across Wales.' This funding was secured through the budget deal between the Welsh Government and Jane Dodds, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.
Pembrokeshire Herald
12-05-2025
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
£5m to make playgrounds and play areas fun-tastic
CHILDREN'S playgrounds and play spaces across Wales are to be improved so youngsters have better opportunities to play within their local communities. The Welsh Government is providing an extra £5m to local authorities to purchase items to improve the quality of play spaces, refurbish playgrounds and support the creation of inclusive and accessible play spaces. Playing positively impacts children and families and is vital in a child's development, helping them to build their confidence, resilience and self-esteem. When considering their proposals, local authorities are being asked to gather the views of people including children and their families on play provision in their area; consider play opportunities that are inclusive and encourage all children to play and meet together, and improve access and safety. Minister for Children, Dawn Bowden visited the refurbished Williams Field Lane playground in Monmouth where she met parents and children who benefit from the facilities. Funding from the Active Travel Fund has been used to enhance the playground through the Williams Field Lane active travel scheme. This has seen a mixture of planting, natural eco-friendly play areas, equipment such as swings and a host of eco-friendly equipment for children's development like hedgehog houses put in place. The play area is also used as a Forest School and for ecological work by Overmonnow Primary School, with the Active Travel network providing safe access. A parent whose child goes to Overmonnow Primary School, said: 'We use the park every day after school, it is lovely to let the children play together and decompress after the school day.' Another parent said: 'The park is nice, especially if we are slightly early, then we can use it. Also, at the end of the school day the park is nice to stop off at.' Minister for Children, Dawn Bowden said: 'We want a Wales where all children feel physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy and can access their right to play. 'Playgrounds, such as Williams Field Lane playground, are fantastic places for children to play, make friends and enjoy themselves. 'This month we celebrate National Children's Day. This funding will improve children's experiences and help them build confidence and develop their skills. 'We will continue to work with local authorities and partners to support our ambitions in improving opportunities to play and promote the benefits of play for children's wellbeing.' Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant said: 'By working closely with local authorities, we're helping to ensure children in Wales have access to safe and engaging places to play, particularly in areas where families may face additional challenges. 'Our £5m investment in these vital community assets is more than just improving playgrounds. It's about investing in our children's development and wellbeing – and building stronger, better-connected communities across Wales.' This funding was secured through the budget deal between the Welsh Government and Jane Dodds, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.
