EMPOWERING YOUNG VOICES THROUGH CHILD PROTECTION AWARENESS

By Sipho Ncube

• ⁠Child Protection Week concluded with a two-day awareness programme at the Soshanguve Secure Care Centre, empowering children with knowledge of their rights and available support services.
• Stakeholders from the justice, law enforcement and social development sectors engaged directly with children, parents and caregivers on child protection matters.
• “The Child Justice Act ensures that detention is used only as a last resort and for the shortest possible period,” said Tshidi Tabane-Shai from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development, together with its partners, concluded Child Protection Week with a two-day awareness programme aimed at empowering children with knowledge of their rights and the services available to protect them.

Observed annually in South Africa since 1997, Child Protection Week encourages communities to work together to safeguard children from abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence. This year’s campaign was held under the theme, “Working Together in Ending Violence Against Children.”

Hosted at the Soshanguve Secure Care Centre in the Northern Corridor, the programme was organised in partnership with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Addressing children and their parents, Tshidi Tabane-Shai from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development’s Child Justice Unit explained how the justice system protects children.

“The Child Justice Act ensures that detention is used only as a last resort and for the shortest possible period. It focuses on rehabilitation and gives young people an opportunity to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their families and communities,” she said.

Mandla Makhubela, Social Work Policy Developer for Social Crime Prevention, highlighted the role of secure care centres in changing the lives of children who come into contact with the justice system.

“Children placed in secure care centres are given opportunities to turn their lives around through various support services designed to help them make positive choices,” he said.

The Soshanguve Secure Care Centre provides a range of services, including healthcare, psychological support, occupational therapy, social work interventions, education and child and youth care services.

The programme was attended by children awaiting trial, children participating in residential diversion programmes, probation officers, parents, legal guardians and caregivers. Participants were also given an opportunity to ask questions and engage with officials on matters affecting children.

The initiative formed part of ongoing efforts to ensure that children are informed of their rights and have access to the support and protection they need to thrive.