Government has noted with great sadness recent media coverage on crimes against children with the most recent being the devastating news that over 80 pupils were sexually assaulted at the Orlando East Primary School in Soweto. The provincial department was quick to react by removing with immediate effect the senior management of the school, bringing on board social workers and instituting an investigation by an independent body.
This incident is one amongst many ills against children which indicate that as society we are failing in protecting them. We all want to keep children safe – but are we going the right way about it? The time has come to start having real conversations about society’s role and involvement in protecting children.
Acting GCIS Director-General, Phumla Williams, said: “The traditional African proverb, that it takes a village to raise a child still stands true. Our “village” has never been more necessary than it is today. As a community we must work together to protect all children from any form of danger and work with the local police to keep our community safe. I reiterate that the deafening silence by communities only encourages the recurrence of these brutal criminal acts against children.”
“Let us play our part as citizens, it is time we stand up for our children and protect them against any form of neglect. Schools are often viewed as a safe haven for many children and teachers have a great responsibility to involve themselves in child abuse prevention, education, and detection.”
Whilst government has put in place various pieces of legislation and policies to protect children, however it is also imperative that parents and society be cognisant of the roles that they need to play in protecting children and in exposing any suspected child abuse activities or child exploitation. Government will not allow or tolerate any form of abuse against children and calls on all sectors of society to lead the change for a brighter future for our children.
Enquiries:
Phumla Williams (Acting Director-General)
Cell: 083 501 0139
Email: phumla@gcis.gov.za
13 October 2017
