Koleka Mqulwana's speech during the launch of the Safe House Programme, Delft
South
15 May 2007
Programme Director
Members of the SA Police Service
Representatives from the National Prosecuting Authority
Members of the community
Mothers from our Safe Houses
Officials from the department
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Just last month, the rest of the world witnessed our nation celebrate 13
years of freedom from apartheid oppression and racial discrimination. But it is
a sad reality that whilst our nation boasts one of the most internationally
renowned constitutions in the world, we cannot say the same for our children's
safety, especially in this province.
Recent statistics covering the period from June 2004 to April 2007 reveal
that over 6 200 cases of child abuse were reported to our department,
non-governmental organisations (NGO) and the police. But this figure excludes
cases that were not reported due to intimidation, illiteracy and the scarcity
of resources, particularly in rural areas. To compound the issue further, most
children, especially girls, are afraid to report abuse, especially rape, as
this criminal act is often perpetrated by someone very close to them, for
example, the father, grandfather, brother or uncle.
With this bleak picture as a backdrop, the department embarked on a
month-long consultative process during the past festive period, targeting
stakeholders ranging from NGOs, police, communities themselves, private
business, to other government departments. The aim was to establish and sustain
a two-year anti child and drug abuse awareness campaign that will have the
communities at the centre of this programme. We believe that it is only when
the communities own this process that it will be a success.
During this consultative process, we had a first-hand experience on the grip
that drug and substance abuse have on our communities, the majority of which
are poverty-stricken. For example, in many instances, by sending their children
to buy alcohol and cigarettes at spaza shops and shebeens, parents expose
children to substance abuse. This has a direct negative ramification on the
safety of children as they find themselves in an unprotected environment.
Our province is still rated among the highest in the country when it comes
to drug and substance abuse, which often lead to child abuse. To highlight the
negative extent and high prevalence of child abuse and neglect in our province,
the national government has decided to launch the commemoration of the
International Children's Day on the first day of next month in Cape Town.
All these initiatives by the different spheres of government seek to
highlight the urgency and the need for us as parents, to join hands and
intensify the fight against abuse. It was through unity and commitment that we
destroyed apartheid, it is through unity and commitment that we can destroy
child abuse in our communities! Throughout the next two years of the "Safe
Houses" campaign, our department will highlight the plight of children,
engaging communities and families in the protection of children. This we will
carry out until our children are free from all forms of abuse!
The safe house campaign calls upon all members of our communities to be
vigilant and form strategic networks and forums aimed at fighting the abuse and
abduction of our children. We want people to start questioning every suspicious
behaviour they are observing against children. We also call upon mothers to
apply a sharp eye in dealing with children and their behaviour. As we deal with
this brutality against women and children, we are also looking at international
best practice in protecting them. The model of safe houses has been proven
successful in countries such as Columbia and the United Kingdom, where
government, in addition to providing sufficient material and administrative
resources, engages men and boys in awareness programmes aimed at protecting
women and girls.
Projects that prevent violence against women and girls, by focusing on the
attitudes and behaviours that lead to violence range from men's workshops
offering relevant training and support to online awareness campaigns and
respect-building projects geared to capacitate the youth.
In the African continent, such as previously war-torn countries such as
Burundi and Rwanda, this model of state intervention, under the guidance of the
United Nations, has proven a resounding success in the rebuilding these two
nations. The Safe House model has been applauded for introducing the most
effective "neighbourhood watch" system as it affords every individual community
member a sense of ownership of the crime prevention mechanism.
The main objectives of this campaign are to:
* work closely with the relevant stakeholders, particularly communities
themselves and law enforcement agencies and create greater awareness around the
safety of children
* identify safe mothers in good standing in their communities, to strengthen
child protection structures on provincial, regional, district and local
levels.
* strengthen, educate and mobilise families and civil society towards greater
responsibility for the protection and care of children.
* establish support networks for caregivers, parents and communities to ensure
the success and sustainability of this campaign.
Ladies and gentlemen, through the launch of this Safe House programme today,
we are calling upon all South Africans to participate in and intensify the
promotion of children's rights and child protection. A lot still needs to be
done by all of us to promote children's rights.
The well-being of our children lies in the hands of all of us. It is up to
each individual, each neighbour, each family and each community to take a stand
to protect our most cherished and valuable asset our future, our children.
Ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion, as we brace ourselves to mark the
launch of Child Protection Week at the end of this month and International
Children's Day at the beginning of next month, I would like to urge every
member of our community to join me in the effort to end violence against women
and children.
Violence happens far too often in homes, schools, cities, towns and villages
across our province, but people are most often reluctant to speak out,
considering it a private matter. Violence against women and children affects
our society it is not a private matter. Our women continue to live in fear, and
children who are exposed to violence are at greater risk of health and
emotional challenges later in life.
Violence is a learned behaviour and therefore preventable. Ending violence
is everyone's responsibility and we can begin by raising awareness about the
issue at home, in the workplace, at school and wherever it shows its ugly
face.
Thank you.
Issued by: Department of Social Development, Western Cape Provincial
Government
15 May 2007
