Hon Deputy Speaker, on Saturday, South Africa celebrated National Children's Day in Limpopo. Yet, beyond the pomp and ceremony of this event, we should ask ourselves: Who is really protecting South Africa's children? A recent UCT report painted a grim picture of the situation faced by many of our children. The question is, however: Is anybody listening?
I stood here a few weeks ago, asking this House to debate the alarming increase in child prostitution, yet nothing came of my plea. The IFP has raised its concern with government's decision to withdraw free formula at clinics, leaving babies whose mothers are unable to breastfeed them vulnerable and malnourished. The IFP also questions President Zuma's statement on National Children's Day in which he said that the most reliable indication of the good state of our children's health is Census 2011. That is interesting, considering that this very census says that child mortality has been increasing in over past 10 years.
South Africa has been warned that growing inequality is said to have a devastating effect on our children's survival and development, but again, is anybody listening? On the contrary, we have seen the state failing to spend funds allocated to replacing mud schools. We have seen the Gauteng department failing to spend the R35 million intended on child welfare, and we have seen the Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities failing to meet even 25% of its Children's Rights and Responsibilities targets. Thank you. [Time expired.]