'Everyone has a role to play' in child protection

“Everyone has a role to play in protecting children,” said the director of the Beacon Valley-based Safeline Child Abuse Treatment and Prevention Centre, Rochelle Philander.

Safeline hosted its 13th annual Child Protection Week service at Christ the Mediator Church in Portland on Thursday June 5. 

The event brought together the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority, Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit, ward councillors, and neighbourhood watch members.

“Men and women who get up early every morning to make sure our children arrive safely at school,” Ms Philander said.

Ms Philander said the aim of child protection is to ensure the care and safety of children through an integrated, multidisciplinary approach. 

South Africa continues to face high levels of violence against children despite having some of the world’s most progressive child protection laws and policies and prevention and response remain a challenge, she said.

“This year’s campaign is significant because we stand united in prayer with families who have experienced the severe loss and horrific deaths of their children,” she said. 

The attendees received a green ribbon which represents life and growth. By wearing it, they showed support for victims and survivors. It emphasises the importance of partnership in tackling child abuse, neglect and exploitation, she said.

Ms Philander said the children who arrive at Safeline “do not know how to play, have fun, or be active anymore — they have been stripped of dignity".

"For some, healing takes weeks, months or even years.”

The service was hosted in collaboration with the Department of Social Development, which is leading the national campaign. 

“It is our vision to help communities understand that everyone has a role to play. We must keep repeating this: educate yourself on children’s rights, listen to children, learn to recognise signs of neglect, report abuse to the appropriate authorities, and raise awareness through social media and local forums,” she said.

Reverend Ruth Swartz said, “We remember those who’ve died and pray for all those who make it their responsibility to care for our children. With boldness and courage and deep sincerity, may we say, not in my name, that children will experience harm.”

Guest speaker Wendy Kaizer-Philander, chairperson of the standing committee on Social Development in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, said: “This is a cry and call to protect what is most important,” she said.

Ms Kaizer-Philander referenced the still-unsolved Joshlin Smith case, stating that while life sentences have been handed down, in other cases, too many perpetrators go unpunished.

“This is not normal, and we must never allow this to become normal,” she said.

She said Safeline’s work is not just a service but a sacrifice.

“They remind us that child protection is not just the mission of the state but the kindness of society. Protecting a child is an act of courage.”

For more information, contact Safeline’s toll-free helpline at 0800 035 553.