Child safety in the spotlight

In Tembisa, several children are often spotted playing barefoot at dump sites, in stinking sewage water.

Some children go missing, get raped and killed.

The Tembisan spoke to social worker Ms Thelma Sibanyoni, who offered advice to readers and the community on how to address these concerns.

Tembisan: What do you think about the idea of children playing at dump sites?

Thelma: This is all about the ignorance of parents. Children cannot play far from their homes without parents knowing their whereabouts. Some parents do not pay much attention to their children. It is important for parents to spent quality time with their children, that’s when they will know their children’s needs and wants. How many times do we preach the gospel of LCPS (Love, Care, Protection and Support) to parents and still horrible things happen.

Tembisan: How do we teach parents about showing love to their children?

Thelma: Let’s discipline them with love. Good manners show good character traits that people appreciate. Parents have to teach their children to respect, ask and apologise. They must give their children smiles, kisses, hugs and tell them often how much they love them.

Tembisan: Why do so many children get raped and go missing in Tembisa?

Thelma: The perpetrators misuse the love of children for their own benefits. They are smooth talkers, loving and funny towards children in order to win their trusnt. They usually offer them money or sweets to attract them. So, parents needs to be aware of this.

Tembisan: How can the community and parents ensure the safety of children?

Thelma: Our children need to be taught their names and surnames, addresses, parents’ names and their home contact numbers in case of an emergency. They also need to be taught not to speak to strangers and to know their family values. It is important for parents to teach their children to not accept money, sweets or food items from others. Children should always tell their parents of the places they are going to play at.

Tembisan: Does the saying, it takes a village to raise a child, still apply in today’s society?

Thelma: No. I think non-profit organisations are the only hope to take care of children in our communities because most crimes are reported by them at police stations. Family members do not report child abuse that occurs within the family. Let us bring back Ubuntu and let every child be your child, irrespective of money or not.

Tembisan: Why are most children of today’s generation not taking part in activities?

Thelma: Some children lack their parents’ support. Some parents are just invisible and busy, and do not encourage or support their children to take part in extra-mural activities. Even when their children play in competitions, parents need to be there to show them love, appreciation and congratulate them.

Tembisan: What do you think increases absenteeism in schools?

Thelma: Our children default treatment, doctor’s appointments and die in our presence. They go to school without proper lunch, without clean uniforms. Our children are disorganised. Children skip school and you will find that their parents do not know their class teachers, friends and school phone numbers. They do not check their children’s school work.

Tembisan: What do you think about children’s photos posted on social media?

Thelma: It is totally unacceptable because we expose them to perpetrators such as sex molesters and pedophiles. Some parents go to such an extend of posting naked and half dressed pictures of their children on social networks. Please, put your own photos online and let’s protect children’s precious bodies. Social networks are not for children. If you think your children are beautiful and handsome, there is a suitable platform like baby competitions for that.

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