Hundreds of children, together with their parents, gathered at KTC Community Hall on Friday, 29 May, to celebrate Child Protection Day hosted by the City.
The objective of the event was to create a safe space for children.
The City’s health promoter in the Area Central, Klipfontein sub-district, Vuyelwa Khobo, described the event as part of an awareness campaign aimed at educating parents about the importance of raising children in a safe environment.
Parents encouraged to take responsibility
She said the City wants parents to actively participate in and take responsibility for their children’s growth and development.
Khobo said many parents neglect their children for various reasons, which negatively affects them.
“We are trying to create a safe space for children. We also want to encourage parents to understand the importance of taking care of their children and spending quality time with them. Some parents neglect their children because of mental health or other health-related challenges,” she said.
Khobo described the gathering as an annual event.
She urged parents to stop fighting in front of their children, saying children often imitate what they see their parents doing.
Ward 38 councillor Suzanne Zumana described the event as both entertaining and educational. She echoed Khobo’s remarks about the importance of creating a safe environment for children.
Fathers urged to stay involved
“We are here today to show children love. We also encourage parents, particularly fathers, to spend time with their children. They must stop neglecting them. The fact that a father is no longer in a relationship with the mother does not mean he should neglect the child. Parents must not involve children in their personal problems,” said Zumana.
She also criticised some women for preventing fathers from being involved in their children’s lives.
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Single parents speak out on challenges
Vathiswa Mendela, a parent, said raising a child alone is difficult, adding that children need both parents.
“I’m a single parent. My boyfriend left me when my child was seven months old. Now my child is four years and nine months old. The father does not want to support his child. Sometimes when I see children walking or playing with their fathers, I feel sad because my child has never had that opportunity. I don’t want him back in my life, but I want him to be there for his child,” said Mendela.
