Covid-19 lockdown: Needs of children should be prioritised
Minister Lindiwe Zulu issued a statement urging parents to make decisions that are in the best interest of their children during the lockdown period.
The Department of Social Development urged parents sharing custody of children to place the needs of their children first during the 21-day Covid-19 national lockdown.
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The department was this week inundated with queries from parents who share custody of one or more children wanting to know where their children should stay during the lockdown.
Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu issued a statement urging parents to make decisions that are in the best interest of their children during the lockdown period.
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“We urge all parents and caregivers to remain vigilant and ensure that the protection of children is given utmost consideration at this time. The COVID-19 outbreak in South Africa presents a huge risk to children as it disrupts the normal child care arrangements for parents with joint custody,” said the minister.
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She also said parents should use technology such as WhatsApp video call, Skype and FaceTime to make sure that children are in touch with both parents.
The minister also advised parents to monitor the online activity of their children during this time.
The Gender-Based Violence Command Centre will remain operational during the lockdown. Members of the public can report cases of child abuse, neglect and exploitation on the GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428/ *120*7867# from any cell phone.
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Persons with disabilities, SMS “HELP” to 31531 and the Women Abuse Helpline is: 0800 150 150.
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