Mayor calls to unite and give the necessary support to Bokkie’s family
The municipality is launching a campaign to protect children in honour of Bokkie.
On the eve of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, a memorial service was held for a five-year-old that was killed.
In the shadows of the flickering candles, Shaydino Padda shyly looked on from a wooden photo frame on Thursday, November 24.
Shaydino, who was nicknamed Bokkie, became the centre of many a conversation since his disappearance earlier this week.
His body was found on Wednesday, November 23 close to where his father allegedly committed suicide at a local high school.
On Friday, November 25 the Executive Mayor of Emalahleni, Clr Conny Nkalitshana paid Bokkie’s mom, Ms Marlies Jan a visit.
“What it means to lose a child in particular under such aggravating circumstances is devastating to the core, none of us will ever fully comprehend what Bokkie’s mother and the family are going through,” Nkalitshana said.
She silently wiped a tear from her eye as she moved over and hugged the grieving mother.
“As a community, we have been robbed of one of the germinating seeds around which the future of this municipality depends, solely because our children are the function of the future,” Nkalitshana said.
She concluded, “Bokkie, my child you will be sorely missed, I plead with you in your new role as you join the family of angels in heaven, pray with us to join hands to save children and some are your friends not to suffer the same fate because I know you love and care for them.”
Nkalitshana said she is launching a Save Emalahleni’s Children Campaign in honour of Bokkie.
In parliament, the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign was also launched this morning.
Parliament called on all South African, men in particular, both in their private spaces and communities, to play a role in fighting to end the abuse of women and children.
The families are still busy with funeral arrangements.
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