Children are precious
Let us go back to basics: 'To raise an African child with the right cognitive mind needs a safe and secure environment from all of us’.
SECTION 28 of the constitution contains children’s rights and places an obligation on every citizen to promote children’s rights because it is not only the responsibility of parents or guardians. In spite of the noble idea of the drafters of our constitution, to ensure that children have shelter, receive education, and grow up in a secure and safe environment, many children never experience these basic rights.
As we commemorated Child Protection Week, it was not only time for the country to reflect on the progress we have made in realising children’s rights, but also an opportunity to ask ourselves if we are doing enough as parents, workers, teachers, churches and civil society to realise the rights of children as set out in the constitution.
A number of the country’s children are still not able to access early childhood development centres, others are becoming parents before they are adults themselves, while other children have resorted to abusing drugs such as nyaope.
As if this is not enough, several studies have found child abuse and neglect cases remain high in the country. A study done by the South African Medical Council in 2009 on child homicides revealed the seriousness of child homicide and deaths as a result of child abuse. These findings send a shiver down one’s spine and begs the question of where we are now. Is the number escalating by day? What are we doing to stop these terrible acts?
Despite the country’s progressive child protection laws, policies, programmes and projects, prevention and addressing the calamitous challenge of violence against children remains. We are all called to walk the talk by ensuring children’s rights are protected, even if is not your own child. A multi-disciplinary approach is needed to ensure the bleak picture changes for the better.
The Gauteng Social Development MEC, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, is taking the lead and recently marshalled other government departments in the Johannesburg CBD to assist teenagers who have made the streets of the city their home.
Through this initiative some boys and girls were rescued from the cruel streets and placed in child and youth care centres. Others received medical attention and of course those who sought help to fight the addiction were sent to various rehabilitation centres in the province.
Busi Kheswa, Gauteng Social Development
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