children
9 December 2007
Premier Ebrahim Rasool says the Western Cape will only become a 'Home for
All' once it is a safe place for children, especially those who are vulnerable
and underprivileged.
Speaking at the annual Carols at Leeuwenhof party for more than 700
disadvantaged children on Sunday, 9 December, Rasool said: "We have said the
Western Cape must become a Home for All, but it will not become a Home for All
if our children are not safe. Our children should not have to fear adults and
our children should be able to realise their full potential."
Rasool said that since his family had moved into Leeuwenhof, the Premier's
official residence, in 2004, they decided to have a Christmas party for
children. Since then thousands of children had attended the Carols at
Leeuwenhof event, mostly from hospitals, orphanages and homes for the disabled.
"This year, we have more than 700 children at Leeuwenhof from the Western Cape
Government's 21 Priority Areas where we know there are big problems," said
Rasool.
"We know that in those 21 Areas the problems of child and women abuse is a
serious problem and it is influenced by drugs, alcohol and gangs that is why we
are focussing on those areas." So we got all of you together so that we can
create a good Christmas spirit for all our children. We brought you here today
not only to sing, not only to meet Father Christmas and get presents, but also
to say that we love the children of the Western Cape."
The children were entertained by, amongst others, Father Christmas and the
Elves, who arrived in a fire engine from the Cape Town Fire Station to hand out
gifts. The Premier thanked sponsors McDonalds, First National Bank, Spar, Coke,
Source.com, Mecer, The Train Lodge, and Faritec for "helping to spread the
Christmas spirit".
Jeremy Michaels
Chief Director: Communications
Cell: 082 772 1122
Office: 021 483 9955
Fax: 021 483 7196
E-mail: jmichaels@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Office of Premier, Western Cape Provincial Government
9 December 2007
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za)
