Pretoria - Gauteng Social Development MEC Faith Mazibuko has conveyed condolences to the families of two toddlers who died when a fire broke out at a flat in Hillbrow, on Monday.
The two children, aged two, were among other toddlers, who were being taken care of by an old lady at the flat. The old lady and the other three, who survived the fire, are in a stable condition in hospital.
Mazibuko said contrary to media reports that the children were at a day care centre, the department’s preliminary investigation shows that the flat was not a day care centre rather an after school care facility.
“These children were attending various crèches and were only brought to the elderly lady thereafter while waiting for their parents to come back from work,” Mazibuko explained.
In terms of the Children's Act, 38 of 2005, anyone who intends caring for more than six children between the ages of 0 – 18 years must register with the department.
Mazibuko encouraged parents to enrol their children at registered centres since it is parental responsibility to verify the registration of a crèche with the department.
“In addition, it is the responsibility of parents to verify if their preferred crèches are compliant to basic conditions around safety, nutrition, health, education and all aspects that ensure holistic growth of children in their care,” Mazibuko said. – SAnews.gov.za
