Performers create awareness against child abuse

A LIVE performance by local activists wowed passers-by at Durban’s Suncoast Casino with a campaign to raise awareness against the abuse of women and children.

Childline KZN joined forces with talented students from Risen Entertainment to show solidarity with victims of violence and child abuse.

The five-minute performance, which included an exclusive song written by members of Risen Entertainment, highlighted that the youth could turn to Childline KZN if they found themselves in a crisis. “It is important to reiterate that violence and abuse is a social issue that plagues our communities and should not only be focused on during the 16 days of activism. These issues are a constant concern,” said Nomvuyo Shabangu, Childline KZN’s director.

Childline KZN has noted that there was a trend towards increases in incidents of domestic violence, abuse and child neglect during the festive season.

According to the organisation, there was a spike in the number of reports of abuse and child neglect received by its crisis line during this period.

Nomvuyo explained that there were several factors that contributed to domestic violence and abuse including substance abuse, the financial status of the abuser in relation to the victim or the perpetrator having been abused as a child. “We find that there individuals who tend to over indulge during this period and this results in violence and neglect. Child neglect remains a huge concern for us”

The members of Risen Entertainment, many of whom have worked closely with child protection and advocacy organisations, said the collaboration with Childline KZN was the ideal opportunity to use their artistry to create awareness about an issue they were passionate about.

One of five writers and performers of the song, Maswazi KangMe’Swazi Nkosi said that being able to use his artistic expression to make a positive difference was extremely rewarding.