CoJ responds to concerns over women begging with children at traffic lights
This is after a Fourways resident Corinna Botoulas raised a heartfelt concern about the mothers begging with children at traffic lights, particularly at the Witkoppen off-ramp to Winnie Mandela Drive.
Botoulas, who witnessed the aftermath of a traumatic hit-and-run accident, said she was deeply disturbed every time she saw a mother and child sitting vulnerably in the path of fast-moving traffic and questioned Where the city departments, or social service agencies, where.
Also read: Resident pleads for help for mothers and children begging at Fourways intersections
Ayanda Radebe, the city's spokesperson, said this is a city-wide challenge. She said the Department of Social Development has profiled the women at the intersections as part of its ongoing efforts to address this matter. 'We realise that this requires a multi-pronged approach that will include the Provincial Department of Social Development, JMPD, and Chapter 9 institutions. The matter is also discussed on various city platforms, as well as provincial platforms, and support is being provided through various stakeholders.
'The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Social Development Department has a database which is used to monitor movements of the women begging with children at intersections, as they constantly change spots and regions. Especially after the department reaches out to them to assess their needs, and to make them aware of the implications of using children as begging bait, in terms of the Children's Act 38 of 2005.'
When asked if this constitutes child endangerment, under South African law, and what steps can, or should, be taken in such cases, Radebe said: 'Yes, it does, in terms of Section 150 of the Children's Act 38 of 2005.
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'This section outlines various circumstances that would deem a child to be in such a state, including abandonment, orphaned status, displaying uncontrollable behavior, living on the streets, substance addiction, exploitation, or exposure to harm. Additionally, it covers children who are victims of child labour, or those living in child-headed households.
'In this case, the children work on the streets, which can be classified as victims of exploitation and child labour, because they are being used as begging bait. These children are, as a result, denied their right to education, their right to play as children, and their right to a safe environment, which is responsive to their needs. As a result, the concerned children are in need of care and protection.'
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Radebe said the Department of Social Development has staff across the seven regions of the CoJ for residents to report these incidents.
'For the purposes of reporting for Fourways, which falls under Region A, Lunga Mtshali and Mary Maduse are the responsible officials, and can be contacted at: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].'
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