By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu has officially closed Child Protection Week, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and protection of children in communities.
The event took place at the Manzini Community Hall in Mpumalanga, as part of the nationwide campaign aimed at ensuring the well-being and safety of children, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Speaking to the children gathered at the event, Zulu said she was deeply concerned at the recent cases of abuse and crimes against children in the country.
She said that in Mpumalanga, the areas of KaNyamazane, Matsulu, KaBokweni, Mnganduzweni, Chochocho, Nkomazi and Bushbuckridge have been identified by police as hotspot areas for child killings after numerous children went missing and were later found murdered.
Zulu told the children to be aware of possible perpetrators in their communities.
‘When we talk about abuse, rape and violence we talk about any perpetrator that might be in your schools, communities, streets and homes. Beware of these kinds of people and never allow them to touch you where they are not supposed to.
“Today we are closing the campaign but we do not stop the work, the campaign to protect children continues for 365 days.
“The brutal killing of children cannot be a normal thing. If you notice anything wrong with your peers, do not laugh at them. It is important that you as children protect each other. The protection of children must not be the responsibility of adults only, you must also protect each other when you walk together, “the Minister said.
She thanked the department and its partners for their contribution towards making the Child Protection Week campaign a success.
Zulu said the Social Development Department will be launching its own TV channel, which will communicate the department’s services and get information to the people without it being distorted.