Kwa-Thema – In line with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, Qedusizi Primary School commemorated the campaign on Monday at the school.
The day began with speeches from stakeholders who spoke to the learners dressed in orange. The School Based Support Team (SBST) co-ordinator, Nomvuyo Phiri, explained that wearing orange reflects they have hope that GBVF will end one day and everyone will live freely without the fear of abuse.
SAPS Sergeant Prudence Malobola said, “Bullying is not just physical, it’s also emotional and financial. Taking other children’s lunch boxes and money is also bullying.”
She encouraged the learners to stay home and be vigilant of whom they speak to and associate with because of child trafficking.
Malobola told the learners to run away when called to a car, even if it was for directions. She told the learners that boys also get raped, so they should also be careful about whom they speak to.
EMPD traffic warden Mpho Mogapi said learners should be unafraid to go to their teachers, social workers or the police to report abuse.
“There are parents who use the police to scare their children, but the police are a child’s best friend. When parents fight at the house, you have a right as a child to tell someone because the fighting will only damage you as a child,” Mogapi said.
CPF chairperson Samson Magagula said children must not be afraid to report their parents if they abuse them.
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Education district official Patience Mabena said, “It hurts getting reports that children are abused. As a department, we’ve trained the principals to deal with such cases.”
She said the department works closely with law enforcers and the Department of Social Development to deal with cases of abuse and child neglect.
After the speeches, the Grades Six and Seven learners, teachers, school governing body members and guests did a 3km walk to the Duduza rank and back via Majola Road.
They then marched on Thema Road, went to Mcakumbane Street, Riba Street and back to Majola Road, with the endpoint being the school.
