This week marks National Child Protection Week, 28th May – 3 June .
National Child Protection Week is held annually to raise awareness for the rights of children. It aims to mobilise all sectors of society to care for and protect children. Child Protection Week allows us to shine a spotlight on children’s issues and identify what still needs to be done.
The campaign is led by the Minister of Social Development; however it is incumbent on all of South Africans to play a role in protecting children and creating a safe and secure environment for them. This year’s theme is “Let us all protect children to move South Africa forward.”
The Department said one in five children in South Africa are subjected to some sort of sexual, emotional or physical abuse before they turn 18. As a society we have a duty to do more to ensure that the most vulnerable in our society do not suffer abuse. It is in our hands to stop the cycle of neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation of children. By working together we can create safer and healthier communities so that our children can thrive.