“Official accused of abusing up to 40 children”
“Bob Hewitt sentenced to six years' jail for rape and sexual assault of underage girls in South Africa”
“Trafficking children not just a border issue”
“Child abuse and murder cases that shocked SA in 2014”
“Bail extended for Plett 'baby porn' accused”
“Is a child raped every three minutes in South Africa?”

South Africa wakes up to such headlines on a weekly basis.  Every week, we read these stories and express our rage at the abuse of children, but what do we do about it?

Child abuse, neglect, and exploitation continue in our country because citizens let it happen.  Government cannot eliminate the scourge on its own.  All of us must actively join the fight to end child abuse, neglect and exploitation.

As we launch the 2015 Child Protection Week, Government urges all South Africans to take a stand and do something about child abuse where ever we see it happening in our communities.

It is high time we begin to investigate when we hear blood curdling screams from our neighbour’s children; let us speak out against teachers who have inappropriate relations with pupils; let us stop corporal punishment; let us report suspicions of child trafficking; let us stop people who are unsuitable to work with children from doing so; let us speak out against people who send children to buy alcohol; let us protect our children!

Government urges everyone to wear the Green Ribbon during Child Protection Week to show support for promotion of the rights, care and protection of the child.

Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, will launch Child Protection Week in Kokstad on Sunday, May 31.  Members of the media are invited to attend the launch and partner with Government in spreading the message to prevent child abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The event will take place as follows:

Date: 31 May 2015
Time: 11h00
Place: Shayamoya Sports Ground in Franklin, Kokstad

Minister Dlamini will conduct a number of site visits from 08h30 and members of the media are invited to join her.  Details on these site visits will be communicated in due course.

For media RSVPs, please contact Mr Jaconia Kobue on 073 026 1111 or jaconiak@dsd.gov.za

Enquiries
Ms Lumka Oliphant
083 484 8067 or lumkao@dsd.gov.za

ISSUED BY GCIS ON BEHALF OF THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

27 MAY 2015