Johannesburg – The ancient African proverb, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, was given new meaning today when residents of Diepsloot, NGOs and government gathered at the informal settlement to raise awareness about responsible parenting.
The initiative follows a spate of gruesome crimes against children, including the discovery of the mutilated body of a seven-month-old baby and the murder of cousins Yonelisa and Zandile Mali in the area last year.
These incidents sparked many people from all sectors of society, including religious formations and provincial leadership, to rally together and demand action to stop violence against children. Coupled with the call for tougher action against perpetrators of heinous acts against children was the message that parents should play a stronger role in caring for their young.
Speaking on the sidelines of the gathering, community member Maria Sithole couldn’t agree more.
“The community needs to go back to basics. We need Ubuntu back in our communities and that should start with us as mothers and fathers, to nature and protect our children,” she said.
However, Sithole said positive action was not limited to parents and law enforcement officers. Youth could also be a part of the solution by helping to patrol the streets, making them a bit safer.
Deputy Director-General (DDG) in the Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Mzolisi Toni, said the onus was on government, families, parents and communities at large to make children feel safer at home and on the streets.
“We are here to ensure that the rights stipulated in the Constitution are enjoyed by the women and children of Diepsloot, and also to engage them so they know what to do and how to prevent such events from occurring,” said Toni.
The initiative will also include door-to-door visits, and visits to schools and early childhood development centres to educate children about personal safety tips.
“Children and women abuse is not a one-sided government or NGO [challenge]. It is a collaborative responsibility, and we all need to ensure that communities are ready to confront these issues when they happen and they know what to do,” said Toni.
Councillor Abraham Mabuke said the problem of child neglect and abuse was compounded by the high levels of overcrowding, unemployment and poverty in Diepsloot.
“This is made worse because the area has no recreational facilities and lacks access to health, educational and sports facilities,” Mabuke said. – SAnews.gov.za
