POLOKWANE – Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu on May 19 launched the Child Protection Week campaign.
National Child Protection Week is observed annually in the country to raise awareness about children’s rights, with this year’s theme being ‘Protecting South African Children, 30 Years On’.
Throughout the week, various programmes, campaigns and events will take place to highlight the importance of protecting children from abuse, exploitation, neglect and all forms of violence.
Regina Mailula, the project manager at the Polokwane Police Station Victim Empowerment Centre, emphasised the significance of supporting Child Protection Week to safeguard children and promote awareness of their rights.
She noted that in her experience, the most common abuse of children’s rights is neglect and sexual abuse.
“There is not enough awareness. Children are not receiving enough information regarding their rights,” Mailula stated.
To address this, the Polokwane Police Station Victim Empowerment Centre focuses its Child Protection Week campaigns on schools, aiming to inform younger children about their rights.
Mailula added that making these activities engaging and entertaining helps to capture children’s attention and facilitates learning.
“Children learn best when they are having fun, and that is what we do to ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities,” she said.
