Sir – The aim of National Child Protection Week, to be observed between June 2 and 9, is to raise awareness of the rights of children in South Africa and to ensure that these rights are upheld with the highest regard.
Regrettably, even as we mark this important event, we are still failing our young people and we are not doing enough. If we were, then why would we allow community members to burn down a crèche that cares for more than 80 small children – simply because they are unhappy with municipal service delivery?
This is exactly what happened to the Khayelitsha Crèche on the South Coast recently. The managers and carers at this facility – along with the parents and children they care for – have not just lost a valuable facility, they have lost everything. To make matters worse, they have now been told by the Ray Nkonyeni municipality that they are not a priority at the moment.
It is every citizen’s responsibility to protect our children from abuse, violence and exploitation. It is our duty to create a safe and secure environment for them.
The DA believes that the perpetrators of this shocking crime should be made to do community service which must include the rebuilding of the crèche itself. That or face jail time. As for the Ray Nkonyeni municipality – the powers that be should be ashamed of themselves. Our children’s future should always be a priority.
Elma Rabe, MPL – DA KZN Spokesperson on Social Development
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