S. African musician in Namibia for Day of the African Child

WINDHOEK, June 15 (Xinhua) -- South African musician Yvonne Chaka Chaka, who is also the Goodwill Ambassador of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), is in Namibia ahead of the Day of the African Child Thursday.

The Day of the African Child was declared by the United Nations in memory of the 16 June 1976 Soweto Uprising that saw several school children gunned down during a mass demonstration against poor education.

This year's celebrations are being held under the theme "Conflict and Crisis in Africa: Protecting All Children's Rights."

Talking to the media at the port town of Walvis Bay, about 395 kilometers from Windhoek, when she flew in Tuesday, Chaka Chaka said musicians should actively participate in the fight for children's rights.

She also urged the private sector to work with governments in making children's rights a reality.

According to Chaka, UNICEF alone cannot make much of a difference.

Chaka Chaka further said protecting children should start from home.

"We must teach our children at home to change the way women and children are treated," she said.

On child marriages, Chaka Chaka said girls must be given an opportunity to get an education and that they should be married when they want.