Children are the key to our future - Northern Cape Social Development

South African Children live in a country that has a Constitution with the highest regard for their rights and for the equality and dignity of everyone. Despite the best efforts of the South African Government and civil society to protect children from abuse, neglect and exploitation, it is a fact that they still remain vulnerable.

To this end government is embarking on a massive campaign to raise awareness on the rights of children as articulated in the Children’s Act, as well as prevention and early intervention programmes of all departments and agencies involved. The campaign, known as Child Protection Week will be commemorated from 26 May to 1 June 2013

Child Protection Week is guided by the five priorities of government: In particular, improved quality of basic education, a long and healthy life for all South Africans, and all people in South Africa are and feel safe.

The national theme is “Working Together to Protect Children” as government believes that protecting children and creating a safe and secure environment is everyone’s responsibility. This is a five-year theme, starting from 2011 to 2015 and was adopted on 28 October 2010 by the National Child Care and Protection Forum.

It upholds government’s commitment in partnership with civil society partners.

The objectives of the child protection awareness campaign are:

• to advocate for children’s rights, educate and mobilise families and communities about their responsibility towards the protection and care of children.
• to reduce incidents of Child Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation (CANE) through awareness campaigns.
• to inform and educate the public on the comprehensive basket of services needed by children in their emotional, cognitive and physical development.

Child poverty cannot be dealt with in isolation from the broader context of the family and community. Most of the South African families and communities, in particular those who were disadvantaged by past regimes find it very difficult to get out of the poverty trap. They have remained poor throughout their lifespan and in many cases across generations.

There are many causes of poverty and its nature is also multi-dimensional. Lack of access to basic services such as housing, water, electricity, education as well as the disintegration of families, communities and social networks make up some of the common features of poverty. Families and communities presenting these features suffer multiple deprivation which impact on all its members, in particular children.

Tackling child poverty will therefore require a coordinated approach to services for families with young children to improve access to employment, essential public services and early childhood development services. It is very important to recognise the role of parents, community and faith based organisations and the private sector in tackling child poverty. Government cannot uproot child poverty alone but through partnerships with those who embrace the principle of a caring society.

Therefore in order to address the above-mentioned and to make positive in roads in improving the lives of children the MEC for Social Development, Mr Alvin Botes at the department's budget speech on the 23 May allocated an amount of R 137 million for the Child Care and Protection of Children. This is almost a quarter of the entire Social Development Budget and it is therefore clearly evident on how serious we are about the children of the province.

We must remember that Children’s rights are human rights hence the following is of utmost importance:

• We must ensure that children know about the Children’s Act and the protection it affords them.
• We must better educate the public who are  generally unaware that the rights of children are protected by the Children’s Act
• It is our shared responsibility to protect the rights of children; we must cultivate a culture of community involvement and caring for our children.
• Families and caregivers must be encouraged to care for their children, in line with the rights outlined in the Constitution and the Children’s Act.
• We call on civil society and other social partners to join us in protecting children’s rights and delivering social services and interventions.

Heed the call to action, each one of us has a responsibility to protect our children therefore:

• Protecting our children is a responsibility that we all share.
• We must partner with one another to tackle the issues that undermine the rights of children; no longer must we allow abuse and injustice against children to happen in our homes and communities.
• Government will partner with communities by educating and mobilising them to be at the forefront of caring for, and protecting children.
• Creating safe and secure environments for children is the shared duty of parents and caregivers, supported by non-governmental organisations, the private sector, domestic workers, academics, celebrities, faith-based organisations, public servants, police, traditional leaders, political leaders, etc.
• Join hands with government as we commemorate Child Protection Week from 27 May to 2 June 2013.
• Report incidents of Child Abuse on the Childline South Africa toll-free number - 0800 05 55 55.

Everyone is encouraged to wear a green ribbon during Child Protection Week. The Green Ribbon demonstrates your commitment and support to protecting the rights of children.

This Green Ribbon was adopted by the National Child Protection Committee in 2004 and means:

• protect a child
• the Green refers to life and growth
• let’s conserve our children, give them hope
• by wearing the Green Ribbon it shows that you care and support
• stand up, be committed and protect a child.

The Department of Social Development and its partners have embarked on a series of activities that took place throughout the Province. Some of the build-up activities were:

• The provincial launch for the International Families Day which was on the 15 May 2013 in Namaqua District.
• The Children’s Dialogues which was held in J.T Gaetsewe District targeting Orphans and Vulnerable children (OVC). Ten (10) children from the dialogues will be attending the National OVC conference in Durban on behalf of the province.

The Provincial Child Protection Week Launch will be taking place on the 28 May 2013 in Kimberley at 11h00 at the Recreational Hall in Galeshewe at 11h00.

If you would like to report child abuse cases or incidents that involve children, you can call the following numbers for assistance:

Enquiries:
Conrad Fortune, Manager: Communication
Cell: 079 873 0679