Festive Season Neglect and Abuse of Children Inexcusable - MEC Max | Western Cape Government

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Festive Season Neglect and Abuse of Children Inexcusable - MEC Max

6 December 2009

The Minister for Community Safety, Adv. Lennit Max, has appealed to parents and caregivers to ensure that their children are well looked after over the festive season.

 

The safety of our children, especially during this season, is of the utmost importance and communities must ensure that children are safe at all times.

Parents that are at work during the day must ensure that trusted people are looking after their children.

Max says the Western Cape does not deserve the unfortunate title that it cannot look after its children.

He referred to a recent study done by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) which state that most court cases in the Western Cape involve neglect by the children's biological mothers who is under aged and abuse alcohol or drugs.

Max says that the government can never be an efficient substitute for good and healthy parenthood. Households need to be a natural place of safety where children can enjoy an environment that fosters protection, love and caring.

A clinical example of child neglect was experienced this morning (Monday) when Councillor Frank Martin found a two (2) year old child in the rain wandering in Main Street, Wesbank at about 08:45.

Max warned that charges will be laid against any parent who is found to have neglected their child. It is totally unnecessary and cruel that children should be reported as missing due to human negligence.

 

 

 

Media Enquiries: 

Julian Jansen
Media Liaison Officer
Ministry of Community Safety
11th Floor, Waldorf Building, St.Georges Mall, Cape Town
Tel: 021 483 3873
Fax: 021 483 3874
Fax2Mail: 086 579 4315
Cell: 082 726 9334