This week marks the commencement of National Child Protection Week.<\/p>\n
The awareness week will run from May 28 to June 4.<\/p>
Child Protection Week is observed in the country annually to raise awareness of the rights of children, as articulated in the Children’s Act of 2005.<\/p>\n
South Africa has drafted legislation, based on the United Convention of the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the Constitution.<\/p>
The campaign began in 1997 and it aims to mobilise all sectors of society to ensure children are cared for and protected.<\/p>\n
While the initiative is usually led by the minister of social development, it is every citizen’s duty to protect children and create a safe and secure environment for them.<\/p>\n
Children in South Africa live in a society with a Constitution that has the highest regard for their rights and for the equality and dignity of everyone.<\/p>\n
Protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only a basic value, but also an obligation clearly set out in Article 28 of the South African Constitution.<\/p>\n
The Department of Social Development has a 24-hour call centre dedicated to providing support and counselling to victims of gender-based violence.<\/p>\n
Call the department on their toll-free number 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV) to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling.<\/p>\n
Locals can request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cellphone.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, children can get help by calling Childline South Africa on 0800 055 555 and Child Welfare South Africa on 0861 4 CHILD (24453) or 011 452 4110 or by emailing to info@childwelfaresa.org.za.<\/p>\n
Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n