The Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Lulu Xingwana has appealed to communities to be extra vigilant against acts of abuse towards vulnerable members of society during the festive period.
“We are in a season where a lot of people are taking a well-deserved rest[… Sadly, this is also a season where, as families and friends are gathering at various festive activities, there is a lot of substance and alcohol abuse, which often leads to abusive behaviour,” Xingwana said.
She urged parents, guardians and communities to continue protecting children by exercising responsible parenting.
Meanwhile, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa, who was speaking at the launch of the Gauteng’s Duty Calls Festive Season Campaign in Johannesburg, said that the protection of children was a collective responsibility.
Mthethwa said members of society, including children, must work together with law-enforcement agencies in combating abuse, neglect and exploitation of children.
“The protection of children must not be seen solely as a policing duty. We cannot apportion parenting of children to police. Parents must parent. Police will police,“ he said.
