The Gauteng Social Development MEC Faith Mazibuko expresses condolences to the families of two toddlers that died when a fire broke out at a flat in Hillbrow, Johannesburg yesterday. The children were among other toddlers, who were taken care of by an old lady at the flat. Two of these children were unfortunately entrapped and sustained fatal injuries. Both the deceased were 2-year-old toddlers.
The old lady and the other three who survived the fire are in a stable condition in hospital. Mazibuko said contrary to media reports that the children were at a day care centre, our preliminary investigation shows that the flat was not a day care centre rather an After School Care. These children were attending various crèches and were only brought to the elderly lady thereafter while waiting for their parents to come back from work.
In terms of the Children's Act, 38 of 2005 anyone who intends caring for more than six children between the ages of 0 – 18 years must register with the Department. I would like to encourage parents to enrol their children at registered centres since it is parental responsibility to verify the registration of a crèche with the Department.
In addition, it is responsibility of parents to verify if their preferred crèches are compliant to basic conditions around safety, nutrition, health, education and all aspects that ensure holistic growth of children in their car
Enquiries:
Thebe Mohatle
Cell: 071 604 6096 / 082 373 1146
