MEC NKOMO-RALEHOKO CALLS FOR A SAFE PLACE FOR CHILDREN IN EVERY WARD

By Sipho Ncube

• MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has called for every ward in Gauteng to establish a safe space where children can access protection, support and essential services.
• Children handed over a memorandum at the Constitutional Court, urging stronger action against child abuse, violence and neglect.
• The Gauteng Department of Social Development is exploring ways to expand places of safety and strengthen child protection services across the province.

Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Ms Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has called for every ward in the province to have a safe space where children can seek help, protection and support when faced with abuse, neglect, exploitation or any form of harm.

The MEC made the call during the Children’s Walk held on Sunday as part of Child Protection Month. The walk started at Pieter Roos Park and concluded at the Constitutional Court, where children handed over a memorandum calling for stronger action to combat child abuse and violence.

Addressing children and stakeholders during the event, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasised that the protection of children cannot be left to government alone. She said safeguarding children requires the active involvement of communities, families, schools, faith-based organisations, child protection organisations and law enforcement agencies.

“As government, together with child protection organisations, community structures, faith-based organisations and law enforcement agencies, we must work together to ensure that every child is protected at all times. We must build communities where children feel safe, supported and heard. Our vision is for every ward to have a place of safety where children can find protection and access services whenever they are at risk,” said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.

The MEC said the Gauteng Department of Social Development continues to fund and support a range of child protection services across the province. These include Child and Youth Care Centres, shelters, drop-in centres, prevention and early intervention programmes, family preservation services and victim empowerment programmes.

She added that the Department is exploring ways to expand access to places of safety and safe havens for children who require immediate protection, particularly in communities where such services are limited.
Receiving the memorandum on behalf of the judiciary, Ms Bongiwe Gambu from the Office of the Chief Justice said the courts have a critical role to play in protecting children and ensuring justice is served.

“Our office represents the judiciary, and we cannot fail our future generations. We must protect children at all costs and ensure that justice is served for those who violate their rights,” she said.

Representing the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA), Kgosi Setlamorago Thobejane called on fathers, uncles, brothers and all men to take responsibility for protecting children and helping to end abuse in communities.

Child Ambassador Wamashudu Nyamande said the event provided children with an important platform to raise issues affecting their lives.

“This is an important day for us as children because it allows society to understand our challenges and needs. Our message is simple and clear: stop abusing children, protect us and help preserve our future,” said Nyamande.

Child Protection Month is observed annually to raise awareness about children’s rights and the need to protect them from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. The campaign forms part of the Department’s 365 Days Child Protection Programme of Action, which promotes the protection and well-being of children throughout the year.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development will continue working with partners across society to strengthen child protection services and support families and communities in creating safer environments for children.

During Child Protection Month, the Department intensifies awareness campaigns, community dialogues, educational programmes and child protection interventions across Gauteng’s five regions to ensure that children’s rights remain at the centre of government and community action.