We pledge to love, protect children – Dr Yusuf Dadoo

Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital staff in collaboration with external stakeholders recently held a Child Safety Campaign to raise awareness during Child Protection Week.

The team wore green ribbons as they marched peacefully to the hospital’s front entrance with messages demanding an end to children’s mistreatment. They also sang relevant songs together to call an end to child abuse.

Karabo Modise, a social worker at Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital, explained that the green ribbon symbolises life and growth. She added it indicates that you are standing in solidarity with the victim of child abuse and emphasises the importance of partnership in tackling child abuse.

Acting CEO Tsebo Litheko welcomed all by saying, “In South Africa, child abuse is common, and community awareness to highlight the plea of children is the right path.”

Nosipho Nkomo from the Office of the Department of Social Development added that Section 50 of the Child Protection Act gives a direction on what to do when a child is in a difficult situation like abandonment, neglect, abuse, homelessness, and child labour.

“These issues need to be reported to the Department of Social Workers for shelter and other forms of assistance. The Act also encourages child workers to put the interests of children first.”

The nursing assistant director who is in charge of the mother and child unit at Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital, Nelly Mlambo, further urged parents to stop taking their children to child labour as it is not a fair practice.

The staff was also encouraged to continue caring for the children even in the current difficult situations. The stakeholders who graced the occasion received some thumbs up for their support.

Karabo concluded by expressing gratitude for working with a team that is passionate about children.

“Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital pledges to love and protect children.”