SEBOKENG. – The Sebokeng police, in partnership with various government departments and community stakeholders, participated in a Parenting Forum Session held on Friday, October 30, at the Saul Tsotetsi Sport Recreation Centre.

Sebokeng Police spokesperson, Sergeant Nthabiseng Mokhachane, said that the session formed part of the Caregiver Learning through Play Programme, facilitated by HOPE worldwide South Africa (HWSA).

Mokhachande added that the programme also aimed to strengthen Early Childhood Development (ECD) by equipping caregivers of children from birth to 6 years with practical knowledge and skills in responsive caregiving and learning through play.

Thembi Mahlangu, Manager of the Caregiver Learning through Play Programme at HOPE Worldwide South Africa, explained the importance of empowering caregivers with appropriate parenting skills to support children’s development and well-being.

“The forum provided a platform for parents, caregivers, government departments and community organisations to exchange experiences, discuss positive parenting practices and explore ways of strengthening support systems for children and families,” Mokhachane said.

Prince Kubheka from the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Public Participation Office outlined the legislature’s role in promoting public participation and community engagement.

“He explained how communities, particularly vulnerable groups, are given opportunities to participate in public consultations, raise service delivery concerns and contribute to legislative processes. He also highlighted initiatives such as the Women’s Parliament, Youth Parliament, Older Persons’ Forums and the Bua le Sechaba programme, which aim to bring the legislature closer to communities and ensure that residents have a voice in matters affecting them.”

Sergeant Emily Morake from the Sebokeng Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit educated parents and caregivers on rape and sexual offences affecting both male and female victims, child abuse, child neglect and kidnapping.

Morake further emphasised the importance of safeguarding children during the festive season, particularly by avoiding leaving them unattended at home or in unsafe environments.

Other participating stakeholders were also afforded an opportunity to educate and inform attendees about their respective services, roles and responsibilities in supporting parents, caregivers and children.

The session was attended by representatives from SAPS, Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Youth Crime Prevention Desk, Department of Health, Department of Social Development, SASSA, various non-profit organisations, HOPE worldwide, Ntabakulu and Builders of Falling Wall, Lesedi La Batjha Rehabilitation Centre, NICDAM and Standard Bank.

The Station Commander, Brigadier Thembekile Kubone, welcomed the collaborative initiative and emphasised the importance of partnerships in building safer and healthier communities.

She further encouraged parents and caregivers to take an active role in protecting children, practising positive parenting and reporting incidents of abuse, neglect and violence to the relevant authorities.