Minister honours murdered children at Child Protection Week memorial service
Today, Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Albert Fritz, addressed parents at the Child Protection Week Memorial Service at the Christ the Mediator Church in Portlands, Mitchells Plain.
Minister Fritz was joined by the Director of NGO, Safeline, Mrs Rochelle Philander, Reverend Ruth of the Christ the Mediator Church, City of Cape Town Councillors Philander and Van Zyl, and Zephany Nurse.
In his address, Minister Fritz stressed the importance of families and parents being the most important role-players. “No government can ever replace the role of parents, and it takes committed and responsible parents to be an effective first line of defense for children”, said Minister Fritz.
Minister Fritz lit a candle in memory of the 19 children who have been killed thus far this year.
“I express my sincere condolences to the families who have lost children through violence and murder”, said Minister Fritz, who emphasized that, “the Department of Social Development will continue to support families and children with services rolled out at our 6 regional offices and 40 local offices”.
The Minister joined Mrs Philander, Reverend Ruth and Cllr. Philander in tying green ribbons with messages and prayers onto the church fence, and released balloons with the parents.
As we continue to commemorate Child Protection Week and beyond, we urge the public to report any cases of child abandonment, neglect and missing children to any of our regional and local offices, or to contact our DSD Hotline on 0800 220 250. We can protect our children if we continue to work ‘Better Together’.
Media Enquiries:
Sihle Ngobese
Tel : (021) 483 9217
Cell : 076 083 6543
E-mail : Sihle.Ngobese@westerncape.gov.za
