Children march in the streets of Site C
Children, parents and community leaders marched against child abuse and neglect on Monday May 30.
The march was organised by The Homestead, which is based in Site C, and the Moses Mabhida Library to coincide with Child Protection Week, from Sunday May 28 to Saturday June 4
About 100 pupils in school uniform held placards reading; “stop abusing us”, “enough is enough” and “no child should be neglected” and marched through the streets from Solomon Tshuku Road to the local United Church.
Busisiwe Mxinyana of The Homestead, which provides basic necessities to orphans and vulnerable children, said they invited stakeholders, including taxi owners, because it takes a community to raise a child.
“We are happy to have had a successful event. This was to bring awareness to the community and to urge them to come forward with cases of abuse of neglect but most importantly to protect the children. Children are the future and they need our protection,” she said.
Moses Mabhida senior librarian Ayanda Qagana said the march was to raise awareness of children’s right and ensure that the most vulnerable do not suffer abuse.
“The march is aimed to highlight the safety of our children as it is our responsibility to stop the cycle of neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation of children. We have invited children, their parents as well as the community to take part in this march with the aim of getting the awareness message across,” she said.
Ms Qagana said the library will always support schools and children’s homes when it comes to children’s safety. She called on everyone to protect “tomorrow’s leaders” against child abuse, rape and trafficking.
