Government gears up for 16 Days campaign

Lulu Xingwana says the government will do more to prevent violence against women and children. Image: GCIS

The Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Lulu Xingwana, said as part of this year's campaign, the department is partnering with the Gauteng provincial government, and Johannesburg Metro and will visit Diepsloot to raise awareness and educate the community about responsible parenting.

"We won't just stop there. We will also go to the schools and early childhood development centres to educate our children not to follow strangers. If they [are touched inappropriately], they must report that immediately to a teacher, parent, pastor or any community member they trust," Xingwana said.

"The activities will also include a door-to-door campaign and meetings with the communities," she added.

The department will work with local municipalities to examine the needs of children in Diepsloot. She said that children in the area don't have recreational facilities and need access to health, educational and sport facilities.

"We believe that our children should have access to services. Our department will continue to facilitate maximum participation of children in matters that affect them and their future," she said.

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children is an international campaign. It takes place every year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). The period includes Universal Children's Day and World Aids Day.

The campaign seeks to make people aware of the negative impact of violence on women and children and to act against abuse. This year's theme is 'Vikela Mzansi Kwanele - Communities United in Preventing Violence against Women and Children'.

Children's plan approved

Annual compaign highlights violence. Image: The Presidency

Meanwhile, Xingwana said government would work collectively on the National Action Plan for Children. "This plan will address key issues including child survival and development, protection and care and their standard of living," Xingwana said.

She stressed the importance for parents, community organisations, care-givers and professionals to participate in platforms that equip and train them to care for their children.

"It is crucial that we invest more time, effort and vigilance in ensuring all our children are safe and protected," she added.

"We must continue to build a South Africa where our children feel safe and secure, and that responsibility falls not only on us as government but also on families, parents and communities in which children live. Our children need support from all of us," Xingwana said.