STAKEHOLDERS UNITE TO SUPPORT CHILDREN AND COMMUNITY IN BOJANALA

By Cuma Pantshwa

• Stakeholders from multiple government departments and organisations gathered at Waterkloof Secondary School in Rustenburg to address community and child welfare challenges.
• The initiative, part of the 365 Days of Child Protection Programme of Action, aimed to strengthen child protection and improve the wellbeing of children through collaborative efforts.
• Attendees engaged in informative sessions on key issues such as adolescent pregnancies, disability support, and available grants, with ongoing dialogues to tailor solutions to the needs of the community.

In a significant community initiative in Rustenburg, stakeholders from the Department of Social Development (DSD), Department of Home Affairs (DOHA), Department of Health (DOH), SASSA (South African Social Security Agency), and various partners gathered at Waterkloof Secondary School to tackle pressing challenges affecting children and the broader community. This collaborative effort aims to bridge the gap between government services and those in need.

The multisectoral outreach programme is part of the 365 Days of Child Protection Programme of Action. It addresses issues impacting children’s lives while calling upon children, parents, caregivers, families, communities, government entities, and NGOs to strengthen child protection measures and improve children’s wellbeing. The Department of Social Development leads this annual campaign to raise awareness about child protection and children’s rights.

Ms Cynthia Nyoni, Deputy Director of Child Abuse and Neglect at DSD, welcomed attendees and highlighted various national initiatives aimed at addressing child-related issues. “We must ensure that child care and protection are everyone’s responsibility. As stakeholders, we must work together to care for and protect our children,” she stated. Ms Nyoni emphasised the importance of listening to children’s concerns to create tailored solutions rather than assuming their challenges.

Around 600 people filled the school hall, creating a lively atmosphere as local performers from SOS Children’s Village, students, and parents from Bojanala district gathered to access government services and gain information. The morning session included informative presentations from various departments. The Department of Health led a discussion on adolescent pregnancies, while the Department of Social Development shared insights on supporting individuals with disabilities. SASSA representatives explained available grants, and the Department of Home Affairs encouraged attendees to use their mobile truck for birth registration and identity documents. These presentations set the stage for a productive and enlightening day.

The programme will continue to assess the impact of government services on beneficiaries, particularly focusing on the DSD’s services. It will also include dialogues with children to discuss solutions to the issues they have raised and direct service provision by organisations such as Childline South Africa and the Teddy Bear Foundation.