Protect your child as much as you can

Attendees of the awareness campaign included representatives from the SAPS, VFR, CPF and FCS.

Constable Justice Ramaube with some of the children at Zandi's Angels.

To mark National Child Protection Week (May 29 to June 5), the Boksburg North SAPS held an awareness campaign at Zandi’s Angels Day Care and Smiley Kids Boksburg North to teach children about their rights.

The initiative was supported by stakeholders such as the Victim Friendly Room (VFR), the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit and CPF members.
Social worker Dumsile Nqotheni, from Ekupholeni Mental Health and Trauma Centre, said homes should be a happy place for children and of trauma and neglect.

“Many children are being neglected and growing up in an abusive household, which can lead to long-term emotional damage.
“Children should be protected at all times as they are the future generation. They must know their rights so that they can defend themselves when encountering certain situations,” said Nquotheni.

She advised children to tell their parents if someone touches them inappropriately and they should also not take sweets from strangers.

A teacher at Zandi’s Angels, Nobule Mtshali, told the Advertiser that they have already started teaching the children on what to do when a stranger approaches them.
“The visit by the police is important because children are no longer safe and even threatened by perpetrators. Through this educational talk, children will be made more alert and will know what to do whenever they feel scared,” explained Mtshali.

Hayley Enever, principal of Smiley Kids Boksburg North, said children need to be taught about their rights continuously.
“Parents should listen attentively when their children speak, so that they understand the situation,” she said.

Boksburg North SAPS assistant social crime prevention coordinator and spokesperson Constable Justice Ramaube said young children are quick to forget and at the same time quick to grasp information. This is why he believes every week should be Child Protection Week.

“We are urging the community to report any form of violence against children as such abuse will be dealt with harshly,” said Ramaube.

Also Read: Child Protection Week: A call to end violence against children

SAPS members and representatives of stakeholders during the child protection week awareness campaign.

Social worker, Dumsile Nqotheni is showing some love to the children.

Constable Justice Ramaube engaging with little ones at Smiley Kids Boksburg North.

Boksburg North SAPS assistant social crime prevention coordinator and spokesperson Constable Justice Ramaube and others share a joke with the children.