National Child Protection Week commemorated in the country in 2025 between 29 May – 5 June is to raise awareness of the rights of children. The week is an important event on the UNICEF calendar and has been celebrated in South Africa since 1997.
The campaign is led by the Department of Social Development
in partnership with key government departments and civil society organisations
rendering child protection services. This year’s theme: “Working together in
ending violence against children”. It is the culmination of a month-long
awareness campaign in which we placed a spotlight on the rights of children.
Government has called on all South Africans to support
Child Protection Week by ensuring that the most vulnerable in society do not
suffer abuse.
‘’It is in our hands to stop the cycle of neglect, abuse,
violence and exploitation of children. 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. 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,’’ it said in a
statement.
The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD)
took to the streets of Breede Valley Municipality for the official start of
Child Protection Week, by hosting a 10-kilometer relay. The event culminated in
the lighting of torches at the Boland Park Stadium, symbolising the start of
Child Protection Week.
“Children represent the promise of tomorrow,
they are the architects of a better South Africa. Yet, many of them are
confronted daily with circumstances beyond their control such as poverty and
family instability. Government alone cannot protect all the vulnerable children
in the province, it is simply impossible. Our department needs its NGO
partners, municipalities, communities, our residents, and the private sector in
this great and important task,’’ said Jaco Londt, Western Cape Social Development
MEC.
The department funds 108 Designated Child Protection Organisations across the province that play a crucial role in protecting children’s welfare and providing support services for vulnerable children.
“I encourage businesses and residents who are able to
assist these child protection organisations, to please support either through
donations of for example diapers, formula, school uniforms, or by volunteering
your time. There are also many children who are removed from harmful situations
by social workers and are then in need of temporary safe care. If you have a
heart for helping them, please consider becoming a safety or foster parent,’’
said Londt.
Done by: Mitchum George
Comments