Walk raises awareness about child protection

Bertha Gxowa Hospital Care Centre in partnership with other stakeholders supported National Child Protection Week.

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The week is commemorated in the country annually to raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005).

From May 29 to June 5 government calls on all South Africans to support Child Protection Week by ensuring that the most vulnerable in society do not suffer abuse.
This year’s theme was Let us all protect children during Covid 19 and beyond.

The care centre teamed up with Germiston SAPS, traditional healers, faith-based forums, Ekupholeni, Germiston FCS, Ward 35 Clr, Sassa, One Child One Family, Hope and Homes for Children, Napwa, DSD, EMPD, and City of Ekurhuleni Mayor’s office for a fun 10 km walk.

Pamphlets with important information were also handed out along the way.

“This walk was about creating awareness, making sure that we teach the community about the rights of the children and where to go when they have problems concerning children.
“Sometimes community members say they don’t know where to go or what to do when they face challenges concerning children, so we wanted them to know help is available for them,” said Hazel Moagi, hospital operational manager.

The day kicked off with aerobics.
The starting point of the walk was Bertha Gxowa Hospital and ended at the Germiston Police Station.
After the 10km walk, participants gathered at Germiston SAPS hall to be addressed by all the stakeholders dealing with children cases.

Brigadier Nkhensani Lemba encouraged the stakeholders to continue making a difference in the community.
Moagi said she hopes that they had reached the relevant people to better the country.
“As a community, we all have a role to play in ensuring the safety of our children. Together we can make our communities safe for our children to be free and not have to live in fear.

She also invited the community to utilise the service the government has put in place for help.
“We are here to help so do not wait until it is too late. The stories we read every day relating to children are sad and as a community, we need to stand up,” said Moagi.