At the conclusion of the sixteen days campaign against abuse it is disturbing to note that very few people still heed our call to support and live this campaign of no violence against women and children. This is by no means as a result of the lack of will from government.

The outstanding work done by government and civil society is overshadowed by a few gruesome incidences of abuse, neglect and criminality. It is important to note that Government leads in the fight of abuse and all available resources are made available to ensure that we achieve what we set out. It however needs full participation and adoption of the people to ensure that these programmes are lasting and effective.

We have always placed great emphasis on the abuse of women and children and it is heart wrenching to learn that the very women we seek to protect are guilty of one of the greatest injustices- and that is child abuse and neglect. The latest tragedy to hit our communities is the horrific death of two little children left in the care of their eleven-year-old sister, a child herself in need of care and protection. As a mother my heart goes out to the surviving sibling and as a community we should stand firm and provide our full support to this little girl.

It is particularly disturbing to note that when the tragedy unfolded that both mother and father were absent. They have both absconded and failed horribly in their duty to love, nurture and protect their children. We, especially mothers are entrusted with not only a moral obligation to protect our children with our own lives, but we have a maternal instinct to do so. We have been granted this wonderful gift of being able to bring forth children to this world and by God it is our duty to take care of that great favour to the best of our abilities. Many take this privilege for granted and choose instead to abuse and neglect what God has entrusted to them. 

They say it takes a village to raise a child and today this could not be any more true and we call upon all our people to stand together and take a stand against not only the abuse of women and children, but also report cases of child neglect. Parents and caregivers must know at all times where their children are and ensure that no harm comes to them. Similarly too, fathers have the responsibility to protect their children with life and limb. We have seen too many children suffer at the hands of monsters that abuse, rape and murder them. And the sad reality is that many a time the monsters present themselves as parents of these innocent and fragile children. It has to stop. 

Child trafficking and the trade in human commodities is an issue that also needs urgent intervention and action. Government has also committed itself to look into the misguided practice of “ukhutwala” where young girls are married off against their will to often older men all in the name of culture. Whilst we acknowledge the cultural practice of “ukhutwala” we are concerned that this practice is often abused for own selfish gain.

We seriously need to look deep in ourselves to reclaim our morality and integrity. We as a collective have the responsibility to care and protect one another’s children and family and I call upon you to take up this responsibility with the seriousness it deserves.  Let us one and all protect our children and build caring societies. We owe it not only to ourselves but also to our children and our future leaders.

Contact person:

Ms. Bronwyn Thomas- Abrahams, 083 447 6586, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Spokesperson to the Premier - Northern Cape