Issued by: Ministry of Social Development
12 September, 2002
The Minister of Social Development, Dr. Zola Skweyiya and the Mayor of Tshwane Metropolitan City, Father Smangaliso Mkatshwa, will Friday (September 13, 2002) from 10:00 - 12-00, jointly launch the first Home of Hope for abused and neglected children, orphans, young sex workers and other children in need in Sunnyside, Tshwane.
"The establishment of the first Home of Hope in Tshwane marks a new era in our quest as government to enhance the protection and promotion of the rights of vulnerable children as well as ensuring their meaningful integration into society. This initiative is part of ensuring that our goal and priority for this year to 'Put Children First', is turned into reality. This is one of the first bold initiatives to be undertaken in close collaboration with the local government and we hope it will go a long way in helping children in need and will be replicated across the country,"said the Minister.
When an adult sleeps with a girl child and pays her after, that is not sex work, that is actually rape", says the project Home of Hope Project Manager Ms Khanyisile Motsa.
The Department of Social Development is donating about R1,5 million over the next three years for the programme; the Tshwane Metro has donated the buildings and infrastructure whilst the Gauteng provincial government will offer services for the children and the project.
Mayor Mkatshwa and Minister Skweyiya are expected to be joined at the launch by the Gauteng MEC for Social Welfare Services, Ms Angie Motshega, representatives of the business sector, foreign embassies, NGO 's, members of the community from the surrounding areas.
Enquiries: Mbulelo Musi
Cell: 082 800 6439
Contact details: Ms. Khanyisisle Motsa: 073 250 2086 or 012 341 6862
Profile of the Home of Hope Project
Background
The Home of Hope project was established after media reports about two years ago, particularly SABC's Special Assignment revealed the abuse and exploitation of children as sex workers.
The Minister of Social Development, Dr. Zola Skweyiya subsequently intervened and interacted with the Mayor of Tshwane to try and deal with the matter.
The Home of Hope was first established in Hillbrow, Johannesburg through the initiative and assistance of Ms. Khanyisisle Motsa,
Ms Motsa has to date serviced no less than 75 children and 28 babies who have been affected by sex exploitation and other forms of abuse and neglect.
Ms Motsa says, "When an adult sleeps with a girl child and pays her R20 or more after, as many adults are currently doing, that is not sex work that is actually rape".
The DSD has donated R1, 5 for the Tshwane Home of Hope and R400 000 to the Hillbrow project.
Contact details: Ms. Khanyisisle Motsa: 073 250 2086 or 012 341 6862