As South African public schools closed for the September spring holiday on Wednesday, Social Development Minister Dina Pule has urged South Africans, particularly parents and guardians, to remain vigilant and take every precaution to protect children from harm. The Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring children's safety, especially during this time when they may be traveling to various holiday destinations.
Minister Pule stressed that children should not be allowed to roam the streets without a valid reason, as they may become vulnerable to various forms of abuse, including abduction, sexual assault, and human trafficking. She urged parents to exercise caution and alert their neighbors or family members when children are left alone at home. This is especially crucial in preventing abuse, including gender-based violence and human trafficking.
The Department of Social Development is responsible for implementing Pillar 4 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF). Minister Pule stated that the department will continue to strengthen communities and provide institutional responses, care, support, and healing to survivors of GBV and their families. This requires the collective effort of all South Africans, including civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, and society at large.
Minister Pule reminded South Africans that they have a collective responsibility to continuously provide care, support, and protection to children. This is in support of the 365 Days Comprehensive Child Protection Campaign. The Minister encouraged citizens to share contact details of the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) with their children and those responsible for their care.
The GBVCC can be contacted on 0800 428 428, or by sending a Please Call Me to *120*7867#, or SMS with the word "Help" to 31531, or using Skype: Helpme GBV. The centre will remain fully operational 24 hours a day, including throughout the school holidays. This provides a vital resource for those who suspect that a child is being abused or is experiencing any form of violence.
Minister Pule wished all children a safe and enjoyable school holiday. She emphasized the importance of knowing children's whereabouts at all times, as perpetrators may take advantage of vulnerable children during this period. By working together, South Africans can help prevent and respond to GBVF and ensure the safety and well-being of children.
The Minister's call to action highlights the need for collective responsibility in protecting children. With the school holidays underway, it is essential for parents, caregivers, and the broader community to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to prevent abuse and ensure children's safety. By doing so, South Africans can help create a safer and more supportive environment for children to thrive.
Key points
- Minister Dina Pule urges South Africans to remain vigilant and protect children from harm during the school holidays.
- The Department of Social Development will continue to strengthen communities and provide support to survivors of GBV and their families.
- The GBVCC is available 24/7 to provide support and assistance to those who suspect a child is being abused or experiencing violence.
