DEPARTMENT LEADS A MARCH IN KATLEHONG TO RAISE AWARENESS AGAINST THE ABUSE OF CHILDREN

• The Gauteng Department of Social Development, in partnership with SAPS and Boithabisong Athletics Club, led a march to Palm Ridge Children’s Court to hand over an appreciation letter, acknowledging the court’s role during Child Protection Week.

• Social Work Supervisor Rosemary Mokoti highlighted the court’s critical support in placing children in foster care and addressing care and contact matters, praising the court’s professionalism and dedication.

• Presiding Officer Denver Booysen received the letter on behalf of the court, emphasising the importance of teamwork and effective communication in prioritising the best interests of children.

By Phetoho Maja

This week, the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Katlehong, Thokoza, and Vosloorus Cluster, in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Boithabisong Athletics Club, led a march to the Palm Ridge Children’s Court to hand over an appreciation letter.

According to Social Work Supervisor Rosemary Mokoti, the letter was to acknowledge the role played by the Children’s Court and to strengthen relations as the nation observes a week dedicated to children.

“We are celebrating Child Protection Week in the form of a march to the Palm Ridge Children’s Court. We want to thank them for their unwavering support and for always prioritising the rights of our children,” said Mokoti.

She added, “The court plays a critical role in assisting us in placing children in need of care and protection into foster care programmes, as well as in helping to ease the backlog on care and contact matters. So, we want to thank the Presiding Officers for their willingness, hard work, and always embodying professionalism.”

Accepting the letter on behalf of the Palm Ridge Children’s Court, Presiding Officer Denver Booysen said, “The court welcomes and warmly receives this letter, and we also want to thank you for your gesture. We work well together, and we appreciate the role you play as social workers.”

“This is all teamwork and effective communication. When you have a problem, we communicate and we don’t blame or react. Instead, we respond in a professional and dignified manner. So, all this, we do in the best interest of our children,” added Booysen.