Pretoria - Government has put in place plans to prevent and deal with cases of abuse of children that may arise during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Tabling the department's Budget Vote on Tuesday, Minister for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities, Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya said the plans include raising community awareness about the risks and establishing care centres and other support services for children in host cities and public viewing areas.
She said all provinces have put in place plans to increase awareness and respond to cases of violation of children's rights during the tournament and social workers will also be deployed at public viewing areas and in all host cities.
"Interventions include establishing joint national and provincial command centres and ensuring that child and youth care centres are able to receive emergency referrals and placements and have 24-hour services available," Mayende-Sibiya said on Tuesday.
The plan also includes the deployment of foreign language interpreters and stand by counselors, who will provide professional services to the victims, should the need arise.
"The justice system has dedicated courts and the South African Police Service personnel are also trained to ensure that the best protection is provided to children."
In observing the International Children's Day, the Ministry will on 1 June 2010 unveil the Children's Rights and Responsibilities Development Programme for 2010 FIFA World Cup and beyond.
The main objective of this campaign is to empower children and communities on children's rights and responsibilities.
"The campaign will appeal to parents and caregivers to ensure proper supervision of children and take precautionary measures during the extended closure of schools for the mid-term holidays.
"Families and communities should speak out on child abuse and neglect, and report such cases to the authorities promptly," Mayende-Sibiya said, emphasising that everyone is bound by the Children's Act to report cases of violation of children's rights without delay.
