Pretoria - The North West Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has taken Child Protection Week events to Mareetsane village in the North West.
The session with the community focused on foster parents and children. Children raised issues that some parents do not use their child support grants according to the prescribed need, which is to ensure that they get school requirements, food and toiletries, among other things.
The session on Monday also touched on children with special needs and challenges with assistance. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) emphasised the importance of parents utilising child support grants for their intended purposes.
Regional department spokesperson Thabo Seadira said they are committed to ensuring that the rights of children are respected, according to law.
He said the department established Children Courts and Sexual Offences Courts to ensure that child victims are not subjected to secondary trauma during testimonies in court.
“We urge parents to report any form of violence levelled against children and not to temper with evidence during the time when the offence was committed. Any piece of evidence is important during investigations, as it can assist during trial and successful verdict,” said Seadira said.
Child Protection Week activities are continuing in Ratlou Local Municipality until Friday, where it will be sealed with a blitz campaign at Setlagole Shopping Complex.
The campaign is aimed at making communities aware of the societal challenges that are contributing towards the challenge of teen pregnancy, substance abuse and youth loitering. - SAnews.gov.za
