Source: Ministry of Social Development
Title: Z Skweyiya: Launch of Child Protection Week
STATEMENT BY MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, ZOLA SKWEYIYA ON THE LAUNCH OF THE CHILD PROTECTION WEEK, 25 May 2004
Ladies and Gentlemen of Media
Distinguished guests
Dear Children
I would like to begin by reiterating the main message conveyed by President Thabo Mbeki during his State of the Nation last week when he detailed government's programme of work for this year- government has already settled down to work and we have a sharp and clear focus because of the mandate given to us by our people.
Child Protection Week (CPW) is an opportunity for us to rededicate ourselves to ensuring that children are fully able to exercise their constitutional rights and enjoy full dignity of freedom. As government we are working to ensure that the socio-economic rights of children as enshrined in our constitution, including the right to education, health, care and support become a reality as a matter of top priority.
In concrete terms, our major priority this year is to register all eligible children under 11 years of age for Child Support Grant. This will be extended to all children under 14 years of age next year.
Another key priority is to ensure that comprehensive Child Care Legislation, which our people have been awaiting for too long, is passed by parliament as soon as possible. This legislation will lay a basis to deal more effectively, in a progressive manner, with the socio- economic challenges facing children in our country.
The national Department and its provincial counterparts will also be implementing measures to prevent and combat abuse, neglect, exploitation, and trafficking of children. Special attention will be given to children with special needs. These measures will include reducing the number of children awaiting trial in police cells and prisons through expanded diversion programmes; establishing more secure care facilities; appropriate placement of children through assessments conducted by probation officers; appropriate sentencing options; and continuous monitoring of children in prisons. The Department will also be finalising a policy framework and a strategic plan on management of child abuse, neglect and exploitation.
As indicated in the State of the Nation address, government will be mobilising more community resources for Early Childhood Development activities through the Expanded Public Works Programme. This is an opportunity to conduct a thorough review of the status of children below six years of age in our country, especially those children living in disadvantaged families in rural areas. It is also an opportunity to examine the feasibility of expanding child nutrition programme from primary schools to pre-schools and cr
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