As we commemorate National Child Protection Week, Child Welfare Nelspruit looked into how Covid-19 has impacted it. Nomfundo Myeza of Child Welfare Nelspruit said a lot of cases of children left without parents due to the virus have occurred.

National Child Protection 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). The week is observed from May 30 to June 6.

Myeza said, “It also resulted in loss of parental care due to loss of work. Parents are mentally affected by mental health, stress and depression.

“There is an increase of cases of children being neglected, a rise in the number of abandoned babies and also in the number of reported cases of rape of girls under the age of 12. “The campaign is led by the Department of Social Development in partnership with key government departments and civil society organisations rendering child protection services.

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“Government calls on all community members to support Child Protection Week by ensuring that the most vulnerable in our society do not suffer abuse. It is in our hands to stop the cycle of neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation of children.”

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The organisation hosts two annual fundraisers – The Amazing Race during the first half of the year and the Peter Cruse Golf Day during the second half. However, due to Covid-19 it could not host either last year.

Myeza said there are ways that the community can help the organisation protect children

• Create structures and systems to ensure safety and ensure children are supervised.

• Educate our children about safety measures.

• Provide information about emergency contact numbers. • Create more awareness.

• Report any cases of emotional abuse, emotional neglect, physical abuse, physical neglect and sexual abuse.