Every child in South Africa has a right, and the purpose of Child Protection Week is to raise awareness about children’s rights in the country.
The Herald spoke to Sandri Appelgryn who is a social worker in a private practice at Living Links Wellness based in Greenhills about Child Protection Week and why it’s so important.
Also read: Police mark Child Protection Week
She explained that Child Protection Week that runs from Sunday May 29 until Sunday June 5 is organised by the Department of Social Development.
The purpose of Child Protection Week is to raise awareness about the rights of children in South Africa, as stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa as well as the Children’s Act 38 of 2005.”
When asked how does one protect a child, Sandri stated that firstly, one must ensure that a child has access to basic needs such as food and shelter. Secondly, children must be protected from any circumstances which could potentially be harmful to them, and any situation in which children are neglected, abused, exploited or exposed to violence must be avoided and addressed.
The theme of Child Protection Week is ‘Let us all Protect Children during Covid-19 and Beyond’. This campaign began in 1997 and aims to encourage all sectors of society to ensure that children in South Africa are cared for and protected.
“In section 28 of the South African Constitution, everybody has an obligation to protect children from violence, exploitation and abuse; and the Children’s Act states that any form of abuse must be reported to a designated social worker or police official by anybody who has witnessed child abuse or even has reasonable grounds to suspect it,” Sandri explained.
Sandri stated that gender-based violence can also be a reason for child abuse to occur.
Any victims of GBV who have their children with them must reach out to someone they can trust and who can help them to reach a safe space where they can receive assistance. This is very important in order to minimise the risk of child abuse which may also occur in any situation entailing domestic violence.”
Anyone who needs help can contact the toll free number: 0800 428 428 or *120*7867# free from any cell phone, or Childline South Africa on 0800 055 555 and Child Welfare South Africa 011 452 4110, or email info@childwelfaresa.org.za.
