Germiston stakeholders walk for child safety

The Gauteng Department of Social Development joins the global community in observing International Children’s Day on June 1.

The day is dedicated to promoting the rights, protection and well-being of children.

International Children’s Day highlights the need for children to grow up in safe environments where they are protected, cared for and given opportunities to reach their full potential.

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The commemoration takes place during Child Protection Week, which is observed annually in South Africa to raise awareness about children’s rights and the responsibility of all sectors of society to protect children from abuse, neglect, violence and exploitation.

Through partnerships with Non-Profit Organisations and Community-Based Organisations, the Department provides care and support services to vulnerable children, including those affected by poverty, abuse, neglect, substance abuse and family breakdown.

To echo this need, the Ekurhuleni Clinical Forensic Medical Services (CFMS), through Bertha Gxowa Care Centre, hosted its annual 10km walk as part of Child Protection Week awareness on May 29.

The event brought together Germiston GBV stakeholders, including the CoE Mayor’s Office, councillors, MMCs, Department of Social Development, SAPS, EMPD, Child Welfare Germiston, Ekupholeni Mental Health, Ray of Hope, Masibambaneni, health teams and other community organisations.

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CFMS (Bertha Gxowa Care Centre) manager Hazel Moagi said this year’s Child Protection Week focused on mobilising all sectors of society to care for and protect children.

“Every child has a right to be protected from maltreatment, and that child’s best interest is of paramount importance,” said Moagi.

She urged parents to maintain open communication with their children so they feel safe to report abuse or danger immediately.

She also encouraged parents to monitor their children’s cell phones, know who their children communicate with on social media, and activate parental controls.

Moagi said children should be taught to report their movements to parents or guardians and to report abuse immediately.

She added that cases of child sexual abuse or rape should be reported within 72 hours to help protect victims from HIV, pregnancy and STIs, while also allowing evidence to be collected.

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“It is important for all of us as a society to play a role in protecting children and creating a safe environment for them. We must stop the cycle of child abuse, neglect, trafficking, violence and exploitation,” said Moagi.

Gauteng Department of Social Development social worker Bella Herimbi said Child Protection Week should remind communities that protecting children is a daily responsibility.

She said the department is observing 365 days of no violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation against children.

Herimbi said statutory rape remains a criminal offence and reminded communities that a child under the age of 16 cannot consent to sex.

She said child neglect includes the failure by parents or caregivers to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, safety, supervision, medical care, education and love.

“No child should ever be neglected,” said Herimbi.

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She added that child abuse includes any action or inaction that harms a child’s physical, emotional or mental health.

Herimbi said physical abuse includes hitting, beating, burning, shaking or causing any physical harm to a child.

She said using a stick, belt or electric cable to discipline a child can cause injuries, fear and teach children that violence solves problems.

She also warned against emotional and verbal abuse, including constant insults, threats, name-calling, rejection and humiliation.

“Scars are not always visible, but they run deep,” she said.

Herimbi said sexual abuse includes any sexual act or contact with a child and can result in lifelong physical and emotional trauma.

She urged neighbours, parents and community members to report child neglect, abuse and exploitation.

“Reporting is mandatory. Neighbours and parents must report and not mind their own business. Ubuntu means I am because we are,” said Herimbi.

She added that exploitation happens when adults use children for profit, labour, sex or anything that harms their development.

Herimbi said the law protects children from exploitation and makes it a crime to use children for labour, begging, pornography or trafficking.

The department also continues to strengthen parenting programmes and community awareness campaigns to promote positive parenting, prevent violence against children, and create safer communities for children.

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Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, insists that children deserve to grow up in environments where they feel safe, loved and supported.

“International Children’s Day reminds us that every child has the right to protection, care, education and opportunities to develop to their fullest potential.”

“As government, communities, families and civil society, we all have a responsibility to ensure that children are protected from harm and given the support they need to thrive. The future of our province and country depends on how well we care for our children today.”

The MEC has called on parents, caregivers, educators, faith-based organisations, businesses and community members to work together to protect children and uphold their rights.

“A child-friendly society is built when every community becomes a safe place for children. We encourage all residents of Gauteng to remain vigilant, report cases of abuse and neglect, and play an active role in creating environments where children can learn, play and grow without fear.”

As the Department continues Child Protection Week activities across the province, communities are encouraged to participate in awareness programmes and support efforts to safeguard the rights and well-being of children.