Child protection is commemorated annually to raise awareness of the rights of children.

Const. Dipuo Matolong from Ikageng SAPS, says they identified a crèche that was in need of fencing and a playground this year. ‘The children could not play outside because there was no fencing. We approached different sponsors to assist us in creating a safe environment for our children,’ she says.

Const. Kelebogile Trom explained that one of the rights of children contained in the Bill of Rights is that they must be free to be children and be allowed to play. In addition, ‘every child has the right to be protected from neglect, abuse and degradation.’

Dunlop donated second-hand tyres, Senwes donated a fence, Build it donated paint, bags of cement, and snacks and Bafenyi Trust took care of the catering.

Matolong says they wanted to show the children that they care about them. ‘We are disappointed that we could not create a proper playground for them because of lack of funds,’ she says. Nadia van der Walt from STOP (Stop the Trafficking of People) delivered a presentation on body safety. ‘People who traffic other people prey on vulnerable children and adults. If we can teach the children at a young age and make them aware what is right and what is wrong regarding their own bodies, we can take away that vulnerability to make them safer against trafficking attempts,’ she says.

 

A representative from Build It, Ntombi Tshabalala says they wanted to give back to the community. ‘What is happening in our country is unacceptable; the crime against women and children is very high. We must protect and keep them safe,’ she says.

Matshediso Kamati from Women in Action delivered mattresses and bedding to the day care centre.

Some of the people present included representatives from the Premier’s office, NW405, social development, Thuthuzela Care Centre, the community safety forum, the youth forum, Tlokwe Crisis Centre, Build It and Body Fuel Express.

The principal, Thandiwe Couter says there are 32 children aged between three and six. While thanking all the sponsors, she added that they still face insurmountable challenges like the lack of electricity.

‘We need electricity for cooking and a TV for additional learning activities. The primus stove we are using at the moment is harmful to the health of the children’.

Community members who would like to donate to the crèche should contact Thandiwe on 083 755 3229.