Community unites against violence towards children in Khayelitsha
Young people and future leaders carrying placards denouncing violent cimes against them.
Image: Phiri Cawe
While addressing the children, Reverend Nozikhungo Tshona made an apeal to leaders of faith to be part of marches against children abuse and neglect. Behind Rev. Tshona is Lorna Tshukuse, the managing director of Linga Community Development. Ms Tshukuse said the march was organised because of the rampant crimes in the area of Qanduqandu.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Qanduqandu informal settlement children brave the cold weather and took to the streets of Khayelitsha to demand attention on their human rights.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Around 50 children marched through the streets of the Qanduqandu informal settlement in Khayelitsha on Saturday, June 7, chanting “Senzeni na?” and “No more violence.”
They were joined by faith leaders in religious attire and local leaders, while children carried placards reading “Enough is enough,” “Children have a right to life,” “Stop neglect,” and “Stop the abuse.”
The march for child protection awareness was organised by Linga Community Development, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), and its volunteers due to the rampant crimes against children in the area.
Lorna Tshukuse, the managing director of Linga Community Development, stated that her organisation could not sit idly by while crime was rampant in the area. She noted that children are often assaulted and abused by close family members. “Crime affects everyone in this settlement, but it is getting out of hand when it comes to the children. If we cannot unite for peace and justice, then our future leaders are going to perish. That is why we said, come rain or shine, we are going to be here today,” she said.
Ms Tshukuse highlighted that children are groomed by adults and sexually assaulted by their close family members, with many cases going unreported. She urged children to report crimes and use the toll-free number for Childline, 116, or speak to someone they trust.
Reverend Nozikhungo Tshona, who is also the deputy chairperson of the Spiritual Crime Prevention in Khayelitsha, emphasised that the time has come for faith leaders to act, as they have a significant impact on communities. “We have decided to align ourselves with children simply because we are also parents. We came to support these children in their cry for justice. It is also Child Protection Month, so children must be protected. When we received a call about the march, we did not hesitate. We stand behind our children and will continue to do so. I also call on religious leaders to rise up and fight crime; they have a duty to help combat it,” she said.
After Care Coach Qaqamba Mene, who also participated in the march, stated that as coaches, they joined to be the voice of the children and to raise awareness about their rights and responsibilities. She called on parents to treat children better by stopping neglect, abuse, rape, and other crimes.
Police detectives present at the march encouraged the children to talk to them or to people they trust about abuse, and to use the number 10111 or visit the police station.