By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The Kimberley SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit and the Douglas SAPS Social Crime Prevention visited Bongani and Bucklands Primary schools on 30 May 2024, as part of Child Protection Month.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the campaign formed part of the police recognizing Child Protection Month under the theme: “Protecting South African Children, 30 years on”.
“The team addressed more than 250 learners regarding general bullying, cyber bullying, sexual offences, teenage pregnancy, dangerous weapons, substance abuse, and school discipline.
“The scholars were reminded of their right to be protected, treated with dignity, not to be human-trafficked, to be able to go to school, to be cared for, and not to be treated cruelly,” he said.
Kock further said the children were told to protect and respect their bodies and that of others and also reminded that, if you see something, say something. He added that if they want to report a crime, they can call 08600 10111.
“You can also call the Child line for help on 0800 0555 55. Caring communities protect children,” said Kock.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu said in celebrating the country’s 30 years of freedom and democracy, they had launched the Child Protection Week campaign at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre, in Kimberly on 19 May 2024.
Zulu said the National Child Protection Week is commemorated in the country annually to raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005).
“The campaign is led by the Department of Social Development in partnership with key government departments and civil society organisations, rendering child protection services.
“The government calls on all South Africans to support Child Protection Week by ensuring that the most vulnerable in our society do not suffer abuse. It is in our hands to stop the cycle of neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation of children,” she said.
Zulu said children in South Africa live in a society with a constitution that has the highest regard for their rights and for the equality and dignity of everyone. She said protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only a basic value but also an obligation clearly set out in Article 28 of the South African Constitution.
“The department has a pilot 24-hour call centre dedicated to provide support and counselling to victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The toll-free number to call is 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV) to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling.
“Callers can also request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cell phone. You can also get help at Childline South Africa on 116 or Child Welfare South Africa on 0861 4 CHILD (24453) / 011 452-4110 / e-mail: info@childwelfaresa.org.za,” said Zulu.
TaungDailyNews 