By Mabvuto Kalawa, Correspondent – Malawi Freedom Network
Traditional leaders around Nathenje have urged parents and guardians to stop employing children as herdsmen and instead send them to school.
The call was made during a funeral ceremony at Chakale Village under Traditional Authority Chadza in Lilongwe on Saturday, 29th November.
Speaking on behalf of fellow chiefs, Senior Group Village Headman Lemwe warned that many parents in the area are neglecting their responsibility to educate their children.
He said some parents encourage their children to work as herdsmen looking after goats, sheep and cattle instead of attending school.
Lemwe warned that stern action will be taken against parents and animal owners who continue engaging in child labour.
He stressed that the practice is illegal and violates by-laws formulated under the Lilongwe Chiefs Council, which strictly prohibit child labour.
He questioned how the area can develop if parents fail to prioritize education, noting that some girls roam aimlessly at depot areas instead of attending classes.
He further stated that the community wants to produce its own members of Parliament and councillors in future, but this can only happen if children are educated.
Chief Village Headman Dilawo echoed the concerns, saying the rainy season has begun and people have planted crops, therefore children should not be out grazing animals.
He warned that when animals stray and damage crops, their owners should not blame chiefs if the animals get injured by angry farmers.
Dilawo also cautioned animal owners that they too will be punished if they are found employing underage children as herdsmen.
A community member who spoke to the reporter said the malpractice is especially common among wealthy families and some retired officers who refuse to send their own children to herd animals but employ poor children instead.
The resident appealed to authorities to take action, saying both parents and animal owners must face punishment for encouraging child labour.
Statistics from surrounding villages show that many children, especially boys, do not attend school because they work as herdsmen, while many girls drop out due to early marriages and teenage pregnancies.
Areas most affected include Dilawo, Chakale, David, Chigwedera, Ntabwa and Kalembeni, all under Traditional Authority Chadza.
The chiefs emphasised that with free primary and secondary education available, no child should be denied the opportunity to learn.
They urged all stakeholders to work together to end the harmful practice and ensure children become productive and responsible leaders in future.
