South Africa’s children need more protection from abuse
ACDP provincial chairperson, Jameel Essop said they're urging government and communities to create a society that's much safer
KZN’s African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) said National Child Protection Week (30 May to 6 June) should stimulate efforts to free the nation from the scourge of crime and abuse directed at children.
ACDP provincial chairperson, Jameel Essop said they’re urging government and communities to create a society that’s much safer.
‘Our society is characterised by distrust, anxiety and depression which plague the lives of children,’ said Essop.
‘Our children are facing a crisis of violence and poverty in this country that perpetuates cycles of generational poverty.
Unless we unify in the challenges our children face, the future of our nation is in peril.’
He said that, despite the Constitution holding children in the highest regard, they still face an uncertain future.
‘It is time for every South African to rebuild the foundations of our beloved nation on ethical foundations,’ said Essop.
Empangeni Child Welfare office manager, Hlengiwe Phakathi said even though they are unable to release child abuse statistics, they receive numerous cases relating to child abuse, such as rape and assault, on a daily basis.
‘We urge our communities to stand up and defend children.
‘There is no way this kind of abuse can be stopped, except with communities becoming involved in the fight against it.
‘Yes we do offer counselling, but it doesn’t wipe away the suffering and injuries of the victim.
‘Children are our future leaders. How do we expect them to lead in future with these emotional and physical scars?
‘Let us unite and fight this scourge of women and child abuse in our society,’ Phakathi said.
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