Hon House Chair, Minister, colleagues and members, South Africa has inherited a legacy of social injustices. A large portion of our people face relentless challenges in caring for and creating a safe and secure living environment for their children. Social dislocation, violence and extreme inequality have become a daily reality in the lives of South African children. High levels of domestic violence, substance abuse, sexual abuse and neglect are growing out of control, especially in less privileged communities.
Child protection violations are particularly hard to measure. It is alarming that violence against children is so pervasive and that girls and boys alike are being abused and exploited.
The South African government has succeeded in introducing a progressive legal framework and the expansion of policies that protect children and their rights in this country as well as access to social services. Recent legislative reforms, like the sexual offences Act and the Child Justice Act, shape the basis of a broad child protection framework. Despite legislation protecting the wellbeing of our children, the South African government is still faced with challenges in the struggle for a protective environment for children in our country.
As we recognise the value that children add to our society and our lives, it is crucial that government must focus on investing in our children's future by creating a safe childhood environment where children can be free to be themselves.
Laat my toe om die volgende te s: Ons moet onthou dat die rol wat ons as ouers vandag in ons kinders se lewens vertolk 'n ewige merk op hul lewens en toekoms maak. Kinders is 'n geskenk en daarom moet ons as ouers hulle kan waardeer en trots wees op hulle om sodoende te verseker dat hulle veilig groot word en die leiers van mre sal wees. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[Allow me to say the following: We must remember that the role we as parents play in the lives of our children today leaves an everlasting imprint on their lives and their future. Children are a gift, and therefore we as parents should appreciate them and be proud of them to ensure that they grow up safely and become tomorrow's leaders.]