Protection of children a priority for Uthando House in Masoyi
Uthando House is a facility at the forefront of providing care, support and safe spaces for vulnerable children.
This orphanage advocates for National Child Protection Week, commemorated annually from May 29 to June 5, to raise awareness of children's rights as articulated in the Children's Act 38 of 2005. This year's theme is 'Working together in ending violence against children'.
As the country comes together to raise awareness about child protection, the manager of Uthando House, Tracy Malope, said their efforts serve as a shining example of the impact that can be made when individuals and organisations work together to protect and care for vulnerable children.
The shelter houses 28 children, providing them with a nurturing environment and protection from harm. It is dedicated to ensuring the children's physical, emotional and psychological well-being.
Malope said she works closely with social workers and police officers to educate the children about their rights and protect them from abuse and exploitation.
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'We do our utmost best to ensure that our children are safe by accompanying them to school and back. We mostly accept children brought in by the police or social workers,' she said.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has urged caregivers and parents to actively monitor and guide their children's online activities and also keep them safe all the time.
The department shared some tips on how to protect children online, stating that children must be taught to safeguard personal information and avoid sharing private details, images or locations online.
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• Parents and guardians should use parental controls and regularly update privacy settings on all devices
• Cellphones are tools, not toys; parents should set boundaries and promote offline activities
• Check your child's contacts and social media regularly. Monitor the apps your child downloads and uses
• Encourage children to speak openly about their online experiences and report suspicious content or behaviour.
The Department of Social Development encourages the community to report any rights infringement or abuse against children.
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This can be done via the following channels:
• Call the toll-free number on 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV) to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling
• Callers can also request a social worker from a command centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cellphone
• Help can be reached from Childline South Africa via 116 and Child Welfare South Africa via 011 452 4110 or email: info@childwelfaresa.org.za.
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