The principal, Mr Andrew Chinembiri, said the march was not just about heritage, the children were also marching against violence against children.
“We have seen the recent killings of children in the country and we felt it was our duty to organise the march to send a out message that violence against women and children will not be tolerated. Our children are not only marching for children in Johannesburg, they are the voice for the entire country,” he added.
The local ward councillor, Clr Mike Spadino, was also at the march. He emphasised the importance of protecting children.
According to Clr Spadino, child abuse and domestic violence is rife in the area. He urged residents to report any kind of abuse to law enforcement or social services.
Ms Bernadette Wentzel, the Cleveland Community Policing Forum (CCPF) chairperson, said the march was to allow for the voices of potential victims of crime to be heard.
“Children are not immune to crime, often the vilest of nature acted out upon them” she said.
The CCPF’s presence was to show the most vulnerable that they supported their cause and echoed their sentiments.
“We applaud all those who participated,” said Ms Wentzel.
She added that it is tragic that children are usually indirect victims of crime, but even more tragic, that recent events across the nation have highlighted that in some cases they are direct victims.
“Our hearts go out to the families who have lost a child, and to those youngsters who have to somehow overcome psychologically and physically, what has been done to them because crime has no conscience,” she said.
