The MMC for Health and Social Development, Councillor Ashley Sauls I, is celebrating National Child Protection Week, which takes place annually between 29 May and 5 June, to raise awareness on the rights of children as protected by the Children’s Act of 2005.
Children are among the most vulnerable in our city and their protection is paramount. The South African constitution outlines and affirms equality in terms of the rights of all children. Although the rights of our children have been legislated, they often do not translate into a practical application to benefit the lives of our children.
While the socio-economic backgrounds of children in our country remain different, it is important to understand that their rights, dignity and well-being should be protected with equal effort. We are in an ongoing battle to afford children equal rights while our children are in an ongoing battle with daily challenges that no child should ever be concerned with.
Various environmental influences play a part in the protection of our children, such as the dynamics of poverty and increasing rates of unemployment having a growing impact and adverse effect on the protection of children.
With many children still being deprived of access to basic services such as clean water, meals, sanitation, clean clothes and a loving family, often having to engage in long journeys to access limited educational facilities, it is our duty as a city to explore ways in which we can increase the quality of life and protection of our children.
The City of Johannesburg strives to be a Caring and Safe City for all South Africans.
Protecting our children from violence, abuse and exploitation is not only a basic value, but also an obligation which is clearly set out in article 28 of the constitution. Children are one of our most valuable assets requiring constant support in promoting their development in the most optimal way. We are focused on protecting our future leaders who will continue to shape our city and country.
ENDS
For media queries, please contact:
Ewan Botha
Deputy Director: Communications and Stakeholder Management
Office of the MMC for Health and Social Development
067 412 6966
31/05/2022
