LISTEN: 16 Days of Activism: Nelson Mandela Children's Fund

It's been three years since the death of Nelson Mandela sent the world into mourning. But his legacy as a protector of children's rights, lives on through his organization - the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund (NMCF) - whose vision is to change the way society treats its children and youth. 

Madiba established the Fund in 1995, shortly after becoming South Africa's first democratically-elected president - by donating a third of his salary throughout his term in office towards its formation. 

Grounded in the legacy of its founder, the NMCF initially operated as a grant-making organization - promoting a humanitarian response to the plight of South Africa‘s children and youth. 

The Fund's role is illustrated in more detail in the infographic below: 

CEO, Sibongile Mkhabela, says the establishment of the NMCF was driven by Madiba's love for children, and a desire to end their suffering.

It has remained at the forefront of children's rights, for 21 years.

Mkhabela believes that all children should be protected, and have a safe space to just be children - without fear of being abused physically or sexually.

She says not enough is being done within the criminal justice system, to ensure that children are protected from abuse. 

Mkhabela says the responsibility lies with every South African to ensure that children are protected, and that they don't become statistics.

"Every sector... these messages of creating safe spaces for our children. When you see a child in a space that is not safe - do something. For every citizen knows that it's not that I will not hurt a child, but I will [also] not let a child to be hurt in my space," she adds.

Mkhabela believes that the 16 Days of Activism campaign needs to be celebrated everyday - as the abuse of women and children does not stop during this period. 

She says that the country needs to unleash a united energy to combat the scourge of abuse. 

According to Mkhabela, Mandela believed strongly in the need to change how South Africa treats its children.

She adds that the country has a high 'tolerance' for child abuse, as we're failing as a nation to combat the threat of violence against children.

Mkhabela says that in order for a real difference to be made in protecting children and ensuring that their rights are upheld, all systems of society have to outlaw child abuse in more serious ways than are implemented currently.

She believes the country has regressed in its efforts to do so, adding that her levels of frustration and irritation over the lackadaisical approach to child protection, increases on a daily basis.

"We need to bring back those facilities we used to have of child safety within police stations. So a child who's been raped, reports to a policeman who's been trained to deal with children. We need to have the necessary psychologists, who are able to take evidence from children, so that we ensure that he perpetrators are put behind bars. They don't need any counselling, they need to be put behind bars... It is not okay where we are. Where we are today is worse than where we were ten years ago," she said.

She's hoping that the organization can continue to provide a platform for children and youth to engage with the country about their issues and concerns, in a bid to uphold their rights and protect their futures.