The Metro North regional Department of Social Development celebrated Child Protection Week on Tuesday 28 May.
The national theme this year is “Let us protect children in Covid-19 and beyond”. The Metro North regional slogan is “You touch a child, You touch a community”.
This comes after Tygerburger reported about “No bail for ‘child predator’” on Wednesday 29 May where a Mitchells Plain man was denied bail by the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court to protect his own two minor children and other potential victims. The 32-year-old, from Mitchells Plain, faces charges of child grooming, and possession, distribution, and manufacture of child pornography.
READ: No bail for ‘child predator’
Two minor victims, aged 12 and 14, from the Goodwood and Milnerton area, have been identified so far. The accused manipulated these children by pretending to be a peer, gaining their trust, and coercing them into sending explicit images and videos under threat of exposure. The court heard testimonies about the emotional and psychological manipulation the minors endured, convincing them they were in a relationship with him. The case is postponed to 27 June for further investigation, with more victims likely to be identified.
How to protect your children
Esther Lewis, head of communications at the Department of Social Development, says parents should educate children about the Internet and the dangers of sharing information on the internet if you do not know the person you are communicating with.
says Lewis.
According to Lewis, the department supports a 365-day approach to Child Protection. However, Child Protection Week presents an opportunity for heightened awareness regarding issues that children face – this includes abuse, neglect, safety of children, as well as children’s rights.
“We also use this period to make people aware of roles, responsibilities and the services available to support the protection of children,” says Lewis.
Child Protection month launch
On Tuesday 28 May, A Regional Child Protection Month Launch was held at the Goodwood regional office, where role players and officials were invited to a programme and a march/walk was held in the Goodwood area to raise awareness. “Human chains were formed at each of the Metro North offices as a symbolic gesture to demonstrate our resolve and commitment to the fight against child abuse in all our communities,” says Lewis.
Various programmes were conducted at the office within the Metro North Region to raise awareness and involve communities in these events.
The Metro North Region services the Elsies River (Parow, Goodwood and surrounds), Delft, Langa, Bellville, Milnerton and Cape Town areas.
