I also can’t bear to witness this

“Concerned” writes:
I read with interest Lana O’Neill’s article about the young children forced to sit with an adult on the bridge near Wild Waters. I had all but concluded that nothing would ever be done about it.

A few years ago, I contacted Boksburg Child Welfare and was told the location falls on a road bordering Kempton Park, and thus outside their jurisdiction. From the tone of the conversation, it didn’t sound like there was any plan of action.

On another occasion, I tried appealing directly to the adult sitting on the pavement. I received no response – just a blank stare. Sadly, my daughter, who was in the car with me, burst into tears because she thought I was berating someone who was simply begging.

I too wonder how society can turn a blind eye. This is the same society that was recently horrified by the case of a little girl in the Western Cape who went missing, yet seems unmoved by small children being forced to spend up to 12 hours a day on a narrow stretch of pavement, breathing in diesel fumes.

Their emotional and physical development is being stunted, and no one seems to care.

I actually dread going to East Rand Mall, because every visit means witnessing this tragic situation once again.

Thank you for highlighting this issue. I still hope – against all odds – that something will be done.

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