May 28, 2025 | News
The month of May is National Child Protection Month. It is commemorated in our country annually to raise awareness of the rights of children. Protecting children from violence, neglect, exploitation, and abuse isn’t just everyone’s responsibility it’s our moral obligation!
In this month’s blog post we focus on ‘neglect’. Neglect is the failure to provide for children’s basic emotional and physical needs. Failure to provide this basic human right is a violation.
Data from our recent admissions show that many of the children placed in our care due to neglect are underweight, weak, have not reached developmental milestones, and in some instances have underlying illnesses. Antiretroviral Treatment cannot be taken on an empty stomach, and since many of the children placed in our care come from socioeconomically challenged homes where even basic meals are not affordable, nonadherence to treatment is a common issue.
Malnutrition in children is defined as an imbalance in nutrient intake. The lack of food, poor eating habits and nutritional malabsorption impacts their growth, development, and general health.
Some of the benefits of proper nutrition include:
- Stable energy
- Strong bones and teeth
- Improved mental health, allowing for clear thinking and alertness
- Maintained healthy weight
- Prevention of chronic diseases
That’s why when a child is placed in our care, they are carefully assessed. Each child has an individual development plan and is provided appropriate care and support to cater for their individual needs. Our kitchen follows a weekly menu plan that has been approved by a registered dietician. Children with specific dietary requirements associated with their illnesses or religious requirements are catered for. ‘’Giving children a healthy start in life, no matter where they are born or the circumstances of their birth, is the moral obligation of every one of us.’’ – Nelson Mandela.
If you need help or know of anyone in need of assistance, please take note of the following number – Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555
References:
https://www.who.int/data/nutrition/nlis/info/malnutrition-in-children
Apr 23, 2025 | News
Freedom, a word used liberally in our country, but do we experience ‘freedom’? The Oxford dictionary defines freedom as the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants. As we draw close to another of our public holidays, ‘Freedom Day’ to be precise…one cannot help but wonder if we live in a country where we experience freedom?
Freedom Day is celebrated annually on the 27th of April in honour of the auspicious day in 1994 when the first non-racial election was held in the country. South Africa celebrates this day to mark the liberation of our country and its people. However, can we in all honesty celebrate this day of liberation, when we are still held captive by so many social injustices such as child abuse, rape, child trafficking and exploitation. Recent media reports have placed a spot light on the tragic story of a little girl named Cwecwe from the Eastern Cape. This little girl was subjected to the horror of rape. The Justice for Cwecwe Movement emerged shortly after her ordeal. Her case is just one of many such cases that have come to light, and simply because a group of people within her family and community network raised their voices to say enough is enough! Justice is needed! Their campaign has shed light on the systemic failures of our government, policing, and agencies of justice.
The failure of our South African government to protect vulnerable children is not an isolated incident. It reflects a larger crisis of governance, law enforcement, and social support systems in South Africa. The sad truth is that girls and even boys across the country live daily in fear of bodily harm and violence. Despite government’s attempts to stop Gender Based Violence (GBV) though passing laws and policies aimed at curbing this social issue, the reality on the ground reflects that an ever increasing number of children are affected.
Stats within our organisation alone indicate that of at least 1 in every 5 admissions is as a result of abuse. We cannot rely on the government alone to make a difference. Nelson Mandela once said, “Freedom can never be taken for granted. Each generation must safeguard it and extend it.” As Freedom Day approaches let us each take a moment to reflect on how we, in our little corner can contribute towards creating save spaces for the children in our families and communities so they can truly be free.
