The Portfolio Committee on Women, Children and People with Disabilities is concerned about the increasing incidents of violence and abuse against, and the neglect of children in South Africa. These incidents include the rape and killing of young girls.
This year has seen an alarming increase in the violation of the rights of children, mostly perpetrated by adults who are supposed to protect them. A young girl of six was allegedly raped and stabbed nine times by her uncle in Durban, the rape of eight girls in the same street, one as young as three years of age, the alleged rape and kidnap of three young girls by a Pretoria police man and the marriage between a 57-year-old man and a 13-year-old girl and other similar cases point to some of the most gruesome violations of children’s rights.
The provision of adequate, safe scholar transport to young kids in rural and urban areas is yet another area in which young South Africans are not protected. Violence in schools, bullying and sporadic incidents of corporal punishment within schools is unacceptable within establishments of learning where children should be safe from harm, abuse and neglect.
It is concerning that these violations occur despite Parliament enacting legislation such as the Children’s Act, Sexual Offences and Related Matters Act and the Child Justice Act which are aimed at protecting and promoting children’s rights. The South African government and Parliament has put the necessary framework for the protection of rights of the child, what is lacking is effective implementation.
The effective protection of rights of the children cannot be achieved if only government and civil organisations are left with the task of promoting these rights. South Africans must realise the alarming proportions of these abuses of children and realise that this is a societal problem that needs a concerted effort by all in society as. While the country commemorates this year’s child protection week, it should be done with the emphasis of a South Africa that cares for its children.
Therefore the Committee calls upon every person to promote the best interests of the children during this year’s Child Protection Week and beyond.
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Malatswa Evans Molepo (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
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E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za
