Child-headed households remain a problem in Lekwa
Philile Simelani, a worker for Tutela Standerton, said, “Child-headed households have become a common phenomenon in South Africa, particularly in areas with high AIDS mortality rates and areas affected by poverty and violence,” said Simelani.
Simpati Tsotetsi, activist for the Freedom Front Plus in Standerton partnered with Portia Qozile to clear the yard of a child-headed household in Ext 6.
Tsotetsi realised the neglect of the yard that could pose dangers to the occupants. Shortly after reaching out to the residents, she found a minor who ran the household.
Their efforts began on March 24 and lasted an entire day. Ward 10 Clr Wilma Venter expressed her pride in these two activists.
“It is heartwarming to have people in our midst who care. They identify problems and get into action. This is the true meaning of community- taking hands and helping one another,” said Venter.
Philile Simelani, a worker for Tutela Standerton, said, “Child-headed households have become a common phenomenon in South Africa, particularly in areas with high AIDS mortality rates and areas affected by poverty and violence,” said Simelani.
She explained children heading households used to be around 16 years. The Department of Social Services revised this to 12 years in 2023.
were removed from the premises.
These children as young as 12 years are caring for their younger siblings without the help of adults. In most cases, social services will identify child-headed households through community outreach programmes, targeting schools, healthcare facilities and specific communities.
Simelani added most cases are reported by schools and community members.
“Children who grow up in child-headed households suffer severe implications, including emotional and psychological trauma because of the absence of adults.
“Children who are in charge in households often have anxiety and depression because of the responsibilities they have.”
Simelani also explained children in these situations suffer from social isolation, which may impact their self-esteem and lead them to take illegal substances.
“These children often fall victim to child labour and poverty because of their circumstances,” added Simelani.
ALSO CHECK: SAPS’ Safer Easter Operation pays dividends in Cullinan area
They are often tragically ill because of their poor living conditions. According to Simelani, the lack of an orphanage or viable care homes in Standerton means children often relocate to new towns to get the care they need.
Currently, the procedure followed by many social workers is to find temporary foster homes for these children. However, this process can take a long time because of procedures and needed checkups to ensure the safety of a foster home.
“The ideal solution would be for the Department of Social Services to assist with funding alternative care places in our area,” said Simelani.
Social workers constantly seek support for foster care and skills development programmes to help these children to the best of their abilities.
Tutela hopes to work with the community to raise awareness and mobilise support for child-headed households. This support can be donations of school supplies, food items and clothes, and volunteering as foster parents or mentors for children in need.
“We encourage the community to stand up for our future generation and advocate for these children,” concluded Simelani.
ALSO CHECK: Bejaarde van Delmas met gebreekte heup van mediese behandeling weerhou
