The First week of June (1-7) South Africans observe Child Protection Week. This year’s edition of the observation coincides with 20 year celebrations of our democracy. It is therefore fitting to evaluate the work that has been done by the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) and other Chapter 9 institutions in raising awareness of children throughout the country.
The South African Constitution seeks to safeguard the right of the child as articulated in section 28 (2) which place the interests of a child as paramount important. The child protection week as spearheaded by the Department of Social Development seeks to highlight or raise awareness on the plight of children and their rights as enshrined in the Constitution. The department is urging citizens to wear a green ribbon and will be doing road shows in order to highlight the rights of children and how to protect them.
Despite the initiative being launched in 1997 South Africa is still faced with multi-pronged challenges of underage marriage, Ukuthwala (a cultural practice that is being misused by some for their selfish interests), human trafficking, teenage pregnancies etc. “Our Education Officers in their outreach and awareness raising campaigns have been confronted by skirmishes of gender based violence against children”, said Mr. Mfanozelwe Shozi, the Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality.
As the Commission we reiterate what the Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini said this morning in SABC interview that “Challenges facing children is not the responsibility of government alone, but society at large”. It is therefore critical that all stakeholders work together to help eradicate the scourge of gender based violence meted against children. The CGE will be using media platforms and outreach campaigns in order to help communities understand the rights of children and its gendered nature.
The CGE therefore encourages the public to make use of its toll - free number 0800 007 709, to report any matter that relates to gender based violence and in turn their safety and privacy will be guaranteed. Alternatively, members of the public may also visit CGE offices which are based in all nine provinces to report such cases.
Contact Person:
Javu Baloyi
Tel: 083 579 3306
South Africa observes child protection week
