Families and communities should work together with government to stop the spate of rape and murder of children happening across the country, says Minister of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities, Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya.
She was speaking at the celebration of the National Children's Day at Summerstrand in Port Elizabeth today. Nelson Mandela Metro Mayor Nondumiso Maphazi welcomed the guests including the Eastern Cape Premier Ms Noxolo Kiviet and Eastern Cape MECs for Sport and Recreation; Housing; Social Development and Transport and Safety.
Minister Mayende-Sibiya said government was very much concerned by the continued rape and murder of children in the country.
"Even more disturbing is that some of the crimes against children are committed by family members who are supposed to protect children. This situation cannot be allowed to continue. We have to mobilise communities and all sectors of our society to work together to protect children and women from violence," said Minister Mayende-Sibiya.
She said her Ministry will be launching the Campaign on 16 Days of Activism on No Violence against Women and Children later this month (24 November) to mobilise society to participate in stopping the unacceptably high levels of crime against children and women.
While there are major challenges around the safety of children, Minister Mayende-Sibiya said government is making significant progress on expanding social services for children. She said over eight million children in need are now receiving the child support grants. From January next year, the age limit for children who are eligible for this grant will increase from 14 to 15 years. From January 2011 the child support grant will be extended to 16-year olds and it will rise to the 17 year olds on 1 January 2012.
"In total, the extension of age limit in the provision of social grants is expected to benefit an additional 2 million children from poor households. The estimated total cost will be R1,3 billion, R2,6 billion and R3,5 billion respectively over the three year period," said Minister Mayende-Sibiya.
She said efforts were also being made to ensure that all children have access to at least grade R education by 2014 and to double the number of children between 0 and 4 years that are accessing Early Childhood Development (ECD) services. The total number of children currently benefiting from ECD subsidies is 355 762 across 1 981 registered sites in the country and 60% of schools have been declared "no fee schools" to improve access to education.
"As a country, we have made strides in many respects in improving the lives of the children. We call upon parents, families, and members of the community to work together with government to ensure that children are protected and developed. It is high time that we all take a responsibility of strengthening families," said Minister Mayende-Sibiya.
Enquiries:
Sibani Mngadi
Cell: 082 772 0161
Issued by: Department of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities
7 November 2009
