27 May 2016
Child labour and exploitation to take centre stage during the 2016 child protection week
Government will embark on the annual Child Protection Week campaign from Sunday 29 May to 05 June 2016 under the theme “Let Us All Protect Children To Move South Africa Forward“.
The Department of Social Development as the custodian of The Children’s Act will officially launch the campaign at Braakspruit Farm, outside Klerksdorp in the North West Province. Issues of child labour and exploitation are dominant in the farms and will top the agenda at the launch of Child Protection Week.
Acting Director-General of GCIS, Donald Liphoko said: “We call on all sectors of society to take part in this significant programme. The protection of children is everybody’s responsibility and government alone cannot eradicate this scourge. It is imperative that the parents and the society be cognisant of the roles they need to play in protecting children and in exposing any suspected child abuse activities or children exploitation”.
Since its inception in 1997, the Child Protection Week programme has and continues to raise awareness, educate and mobilise all sectors of the society to holistically develop, care and protect children.
“Children’s rights are enshrined in the Constitution and as society it is our duty to uphold and protect them. Therefore, let us all familiarise ourselves with these rights as well as the Children’s Act” said Liphoko.
For updates during Child Protection Week, follow @GCISMedia @SAGovNews @GovernmentZA and @DsdNews @The_DSD. Join the conversation on twitter by using the hashtag #ChildProtection2016. For more information on the list of activities, visit www.gov.za and www.dsd.gov.za
To report any suspected child labour, abuse, neglect or exploitation, please contact any of the following hotline numbers:
- Department of Social Development 24-hour Command Centre: 0800 428 428 (toll-free)
- Callers can also request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cell phone
- Child Welfare South Africa: 0861 424453 / 011 452-4110
- SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10 111
- SMS Crime Line: 32211
Enquiries:
Donald Liphoko (Acting Director General)
Cell: 082 901 0766
Issued by Government Communication and Information System