House Chairperson, hon Deputy President and hon members, the ANC is deeply concerned about the ongoing violence against and brutal attacks on our children.
Stand closer to the microphone. It won't bite you!
Hon member, give the member an opportunity to make a statement. You have not been recognised. You may continue, hon member.
Not a week passes without some horrific act being committed against defenceless children who, instead of being protected and nurtured, are violated. The patterns of violence show that it cuts across boundaries of geography, race, class, religion and culture.
It is occurring in our homes, schools and streets. Perpetrators include parents, family members, teachers and guardians. Children are being preyed upon by adults who know that children are easy targets and are vulnerable. Our laws, as progressive as they may be, are not enough to ensure that our children are protected.
Reactionary measures alone cannot prevent the abuse of children; there needs to be extra emphasis on prevention and protection. The war being waged against our children, in which they are abducted, raped, abused and murdered cannot be the concern primarily of the police, the courts or the social services. Communities must rally together to work in support of the police and social services to create early warning systems.
Good policing and investigative services are one aspect, but co-ordination of police task teams can deliver even greater results. Child abuse works against our attempts to build social cohesion within our communities. Catching serial rapists who target children and teenagers must be made a priority. Violence against our children is never justifiable and must be treated as a national emergency. Thank you. [Applause.]