Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres in Delmas came together for an awareness drive to commemorate Child Protection Week. The event, which saw participation from a majority of Victor Khanye Local Municipality (VKLM) ECD centres, was held on June 14, 2024, at the Simon Gondwe Sport Centre. The gathering began with a 4km awareness parade through the township streets, with participants holding placards bearing powerful messages such as “Stop raping us,” “Stop killing us,” “Stop Child Abuse,” and “Put a Child First.”
Highveld Chronicle spoke with one of the organisers, Yvonne Thathani, a former VKLM ECD centres Chair, who shared the purpose of the walk and the main gathering. “The aim of the awareness is to drive the message to society to better ensure the protection and care of children. We have invited different stakeholders to teach our children on various important subjects.”
Speaking at the event, Department of Road and Safety official Zandile Mavuso emphasized the importance of children’s safety in vehicles. ”It is crucial to teach children basic road safety education from a tender age. Ensure that when they are inside a vehicle, they have already put on a safety belt and are not distracting the driver, as accidents may occur.” She further advised parents against holding their children on their laps while driving, highlighting the potential dangers.
A Department of Education senior official added, ”As the Department of Education, we are here to support the ECD centres during Child Protection Week to remind children of their constitutional rights to be respected and protected, through a safe environment both at home and in ECD centres. If children show signs of abuse, it must be reported to the Department of Social Development, not just to their parents.”
Representing the VKLM fire department, Promise Mahlangu encouraged parents to protect their children against fire. ”Parents must ensure that children play far away from fire and avoid leaving matches recklessly, as children might play with them.” A crèche teacher from Vukuzenzele Daycare Centre shared a case that highlighted the prevalence of child abuse in households. ”We once had a serious situation where a child was experiencing abuse at home. Upon noticing signs of the abuse, our principal called the parents who initially denied it. We took further steps involving social workers, and eventually, the parents admitted to the abuse. The matter was then handed over to the police,” she related.
