In honour of National Child Protection Week (May 29 – June 5), several stakeholders from various entities took part in a two-day (June 3–4) awareness campaign effort at Steve Biko Academic Hospital (SBAH).
The week is commemorated annually to raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the Children’s Act, with this year’s theme being ‘Working Together in Ending Violence Against Children’.
The stakeholders involved included the Pretoria Central SAPS, various governmental departments such as Social Development, Justice and Constitutional Development and Home Affairs. They were supported by organisations such as Child Welfare Tshwane, Kids Kicking Cancer, Hamba Nawe Project, and Childhood Cancer Foundation, among others.
Spokesperson for the Pretoria Central SAPS station, Sergeant Thabang Nkhumise, said the programme’s events included walkabouts to different areas, promoting the importance and awareness of the week.
On June 3, a walkabout was conducted in several wards, including some Neurology wards and the Emergency Department, to engage in health talks, discuss safety and security, and offer comfort. The next phase of the programme was conducted on June 4.
A formal programme was conducted where all the stakeholders who were in attendance gave their presentations and gave the attendees the necessary information to access their services.
Several of the patients addressed GBV, rape, human trafficking, femicide, alongside other social ills such as drug use, bullying, cyberbullying, and other related issues,” Nkhumise said.
SBAH emphasised the vital role health and social workers play in addressing abuse in children, and called on all South Africans to do their part to protect the constitutional rights of the vulnerable by reporting when they are being violated.
Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving, and nurturing environment. By protecting our children today, we help build a brighter and more secure future for tomorrow.
“Protecting children is not only the responsibility of social workers or law enforcement agencies. It is a collective responsibility that belongs to all of us. Let us stand together to recognise the signs of abuse, speak out against violence, and create safer communities where every child can thrive. If you or someone you know needs help, contact Childline South Africa,” the hospital said.
For further assistance, one can contact the SAPS Emergency line on 1011, SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111, the Pretoria Central SAPS on 012 353 5001 or 079 880 0880. People can also contact the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit on 012 393 2184 and the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428.
Other helplines include Stop GBV on 0800 150 150, Childline on 116 and the National Aids Helpline on 0800 012 322.
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