Commission calls for support of children’s safety
With South Africa celebrating Child Protection Week during June 1 to 7, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has pledged to continue its support to safeguard the right of the child.
This year’s edition of the observation coincides with 20 year celebrations of SA’s democracy.
Child Protection Week as spearheaded by the Department of Social Development seeks to highlight or raise awareness on the plight of children and their rights as enshrined in the Constitution.
The South African Constitution stipulates the right of safety of children as articulated in section 28 (2), which place the interests of a child as paramount important.
“Despite the initiative being launched in 1997, South Africa is still faced with multi-pronged challenges of underage marriage, Ukuthwala (a cultural practice that is being misused by some for their selfish interests), human trafficking, and teenage pregnancies,” says Mfanozelwe Shozi, Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality.
“Our education officers in their outreach and awareness raising campaigns have been confronted by skirmishes of gender-based violence against children” Shozi adds.
“As the Commission we reiterate what the minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini, said that challenges facing children is not the responsibility of government alone, but society at large.
“It is, therefore, critical that all stakeholders work together to help eradicate the scourge of gender-based violence meted against children.
“The CGE will be using media platforms and outreach campaigns in order to help communities understand the rights of children and its gendered nature.”
The CGE encourages the public to make use of its toll free number 0800 007 709, to report any matter that relates to gender-based violence and in turn their safety and privacy will be guaranteed.
Alternatively, members of the public may also visit CGE offices, which are based in all nine provinces to report such cases.
– @BoksburgEd
