“The South African government has the best interests of children at heart.”
According to Sibusiso Chauke, Communication Officer: Media Liaison and Strategy for the Gauteng Department of Social Development, this is evident in the child-protection mechanisms such as domestic legislation and international instruments that the country has ratified as a commitment to the protection of children’s rights.
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He said media reports indicate that many children are exposed to abuse and violence.
“Some are abused by their own parents. In some communities children are abused in the form of child labour when they are supposed to be studying. Some children are being abused by their peers at schools in the form of bullying, and they end up dropping out of school as a result.
As parents, we should all take responsibility to protect our children. Humanity should not be lost. Let us all go back to the basics and follow that saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’. We must treat all the children like our own, so that we can have a better society tomorrow and beyond. If we can all do that, we can eliminate ill treatment of children because children are killed and raped by their own flesh and blood.
“More educational campaigns and programmes should be undertaken in the community. Community members must report when they witness ill treatment of children to the authorities so that the necessary actions are taken. It is evident that if we work together as a society we can win the battle against child abuse. Research shows that in 2020, South Africa made minimal advancement to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. A collective effort is needed to ensure children’s rights are protected and respected.”
The Children’s Act 38 of 2005 highlights children’s rights, and these are some of them:
The right to a name and nationality from birth; family care or parental care; basic nutrition; shelter; basic health-care services and social services; and a right to good-quality education.
Those rights are found in section 28 of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of South Africa.
“Child Protection Week is one of the best campaigns to educate communities. This year the annual National Child Protection Week is commemorated from May 29 to June 4 to raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the said legislation. The campaign is led by the Department of Social Development in partnership with key government departments and civil society organisations rendering child-protection services.
“Government calls on all South Africans to support Child Protection Week by ensuring that the most vulnerable in our society do not suffer abuse. It is in our hands to stop the cycle of neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation of children. Children in South Africa live in a society with a Constitution that has the highest regard for their rights, and for the equality and dignity of everyone. Protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only a basic value but also an obligation clearly set out in section 28 of the South African Constitution.”
Get help …
The Department of Social Development has a pilot 24-hour call centre dedicated to providing support and counselling to victims of gender-based violence:
• The toll-free number to call is 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV) to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling.
• Callers can also request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cell phone.
You can also get help at:
• Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555
• Child Welfare South Africa: 0861 4 CHILD (24453) / 011 452 4110 / email: info@childwelfaresa.org.za
