Latest news with #NationalChildProtectionWeek
IOL News
13 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
It's time to stop sugarcoating junk food for kids
In the aisles of our supermarkets, children are bombarded with food and beverages high in sugar and saturated fat contained in colourful packaging, often with cartoon characters and misleading health claims. Image: Erik Mclean/Pexels As South Africa marks National Child Protection Week from 29 May to 5 June, the Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA), urging the government to adopt stronger measures to safeguard the nutritional wellbeing of the nation's youth. In supermarkets across the country, children are inundated with colourful, eye-catching packaging promoting foods and beverages that are excessively high in sugar and saturated fat. Brightly decorated items adorned with cartoon characters and misleading health claims target young consumers, significantly contributing to the rapid rise in obesity rates. Over the past decade, childhood obesity in South Africa has surged from one in 20 to one in eight children. If current trends continue, by 2031, more than 4 million children aged 5 to 19 could be grappling with obesity-related health issues, positioning South Africa among the top ten countries globally for childhood obesity. 'This is a matter of child protection,' says Zukiswa Zimela, Communications Manager at HEALA. 'Children are particularly vulnerable to packaged foods that are often detrimental to their health. Parents strive to make healthy choices, but without clear, visible warnings on packaging, they are set up to fail. We cannot afford to allow this situation to persist.' In response to this alarming trend, HEALA has called upon the Department of Health to swiftly implement mandatory front-of-package warning labels (FoPWL). These labels would feature simple, discernible icons that alert consumers when a product is high in salt, sugar, or saturated fat, and contains artificial sweeteners. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ Countries such as Chile, Mexico, and Argentina have successfully implemented similar measures, yielding positive results in reducing unhealthy food consumption and altering public perceptions of these products. 'The evidence is irrefutable. The World Health Organization endorses front-of-package labels as a vital public health intervention,' asserts Nzama Mbalati, CEO of HEALA. 'Such labels must be mandatory, interpretive, and easy to understand, particularly for those with lower literacy levels, including children. The science is sound, and we are just waiting for the political will to act.' South Africa's draft regulations (R3337) to include these mandatory warning labels were introduced in April 2023; however, they remain unfinalised. Despite significant public demand and escalating health risks, the National Department of Health has not yet acted. As of February 2024, submissions from the public comment period had yet to be reviewed, leading to speculation that food industry interests may be obstructing the legislative process. 'While bureaucratic delays continue, our children are growing increasingly unhealthy,' warns Mbalati. 'They are being conditioned for a lifetime of health complications, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, simply because we lack protective measures to limit their exposure to harmful foods.' Yolanda Tarisayi Radu, Senior Researcher in Law and Policy at PRICELESS SA, echoes these sentiments, stating, 'Research indicates that front-of-package warning labels are not only effective in curbing unhealthy food consumption but are also crucial for adhering to the constitutional right to health for every child in South Africa. Clear and visible labels empower families to make better nutritional choices while holding food manufacturers accountable.' According to HEALA, voluntary labelling schemes have proven ineffective, often leaving consumers confused and enabling manufacturers to circumvent regulations. 'We need mandatory warning labels,' asserts Zimela. 'We cannot permit food companies to prioritise profits over public health.' Studies conducted in South Africa have shown that while Guideline Daily Amounts (GDA) labels often confused consumers, warning triangles resulted in significantly improved identification of unhealthy products and decreased purchasing intentions. The findings reinforce the notion that clear, unambiguous warning labels are imperative for a country where many rely on quick visual cues to make informed decisions. This National Child Protection Week, HEALA urges civil society, parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and concerned citizens to unite in advocating for robust food policies that prioritise the health of children over corporate interests. 'Protecting our children means ensuring they have a fair chance at a healthy life, resisting corporate influence, and acting decisively to prevent further harm,' concludes Mbalati. IOL
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- TimesLIVE
South Africa's children are under siege — and it's all our baby now
As the country commemorates National Child Protection Week from May 29 to June 5 to raise awareness about the rights of children, we are once again reminded that this moment of reflection is not symbolic. It is urgent. The latest crime statistics from the South African Police Service for the third quarter of the 2024/25 financial year (October to December 2024) reveal a distressing escalation of violence against children. During this period, 273 children were murdered, 480 were victims of attempted murder, and 2,164 suffered assaults with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm. These figures are not mere numbers; they represent young lives lost or irrevocably damaged. They signify a society failing its most vulnerable members. These figures are not abstractions. They are children with names, birthdays, families and futures that will never be realised. They are the silent dead in a country that is becoming disturbingly accustomed to the normalisation of violence. A nation desensitised, a system in decay The high rates of violence against children are not isolated incidents. They are the logical outcome of a deeply unequal society with weakened protective systems and an eroded social contract. Despite a progressive legal framework — the Children's Act, the Sexual Offences Act, the Child Justice Act — enforcement continues to falter. A recent report by our long-standing partner, the Teddy Bear Foundation, found that of more than 5,000 reported child abuse cases from 2019 to 2024, only 4% resulted in convictions. Four per cent! The rest were withdrawn, many due to lack of evidence or absence of witnesses; this is a telling sign of a justice system ill-equipped to protect those most in need of its care. This failure is not technical. It is structural. It reveals a system where the burden to speak, to testify, to prove harm, still rests on traumatised children, often without access to support or protection. What we are seeing is not a justice system working poorly, but a justice system not working at all for children. The statistics are numbing. But the stories behind them are searing. We remember Uyinene Mrwetyana, murdered in 2019 — a case that galvanised a national reckoning and ignited the #AmINext movement. Her murder should have been the turning point. Instead, it has joined a litany of tragedies still unfolding.
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Learners enjoy action-filled day in the spirit of Child Protection Week
Learners enjoy action-filled day in the spirit of Child Protection Week As part of National Child Protection Week, Tshwane police took their message of safety, awareness, and opportunity to Pretoria north learners at Laerskool Stephanus Roos on May 30. The initiative, hosted in partnership with Sinoville SAPS, formed part of the SAPS's ongoing commitment to empowering young learners while building stronger, trust-based relationships between the police and communities. Child Protection Week is observed in South Africa from May 29 to June 5 each year. The day combined the campaign with a vibrant career day, showing learners how safety and ambition can go hand in hand. There was a high-profile collaboration between specialised units and key stakeholders, including ProShield Security, Powered Flight Aviation, and units such as Airwing, Search and Rescue, Waterwing, and the Equestrian Unit. In a show-stopping entrance that captured the learners' attention, the principal and vice principal were flown in by Powered Flights Aviation, landing on the school's sports field. This, along with the dramatic descent of a SAPS helicopter, turned the school grounds into a hub of excitement and learning. The arrival set the tone for a day that balanced fun with critical life lessons. Each unit brought interactive demonstrations to life, giving learners the chance to engage with officers, horses, dogs, helicopters, and the professionals who operate them. ProShield Security's K9 team showcased how trained dogs detect narcotics and apprehend suspects, offering learners a behind-the-scenes view of crime prevention efforts in action. At the heart of the day was the message: Every child deserves to feel safe, protected, and supported. Sinoville SAPS station commander Colonel Gerald Witbooi reminded learners about the importance of speaking up. 'Whether it is a parent, teacher or police officer, always speak to someone you trust. 'No child should ever carry the burden of fear or secrecy, especially when it comes to abuse, bullying or neglect. You are never alone,' said Witbooi. He also commended the school for its proactive commitment to child safety and its willingness to work closely with SAPS in shaping a secure learning environment. Beyond the excitement of the helicopters and police dogs, the event carried a deeper purpose: helping children understand their rights, know where to go for help, and feel seen and heard by the very people tasked with protecting them. Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk affirmed the police's continued dedication to community-based policing and educational outreach. According to Van Dyk, Child Protection Week is a time to reflect, educate, and act decisively to protect the nation's most vulnerable. School principal Johan van Rooyen said the school's priority is to become the safest school in the north. 'Bullying is a buzzword in schools, and every school has those learners who don't handle others with respect. We are proud that we have values and norms, and we say to our learners that they must always treat others with respect. 'We use all the resources we can for our learners to combat bullying, such as a designated social worker and our teachers,' said Van Rooyen. Motivational speaker Anton van Niekerk said it's only hurt people who hurt people. 'When we speak about Child Protection Week, we speak about bullying that is happening at schools. 'Any healing in life is a process. It's actually quite a common thing with regard to kids that are suffering.' Learner Janae van Zyl said the children went crazy when helicopters landed. 'People must not bully others because you don't know the pain you are causing to someone when you bully them. 'We want to thank the police and everyone involved for protecting us in every moment when we need help,' said Van Zyl. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Herald
2 days ago
- Health
- The Herald
Body of missing Joburg schoolgirl Likhona Fose, 14, found in veld
Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane on Monday sent the department's psychosocial support team to offer trauma counselling to classmates and teachers who knew Likhona Fose, who was found murdered at the weekend. The 14-year-old grade 8 pupil at Ikusasalethu Secondary School in Braamfischerville, Johannesburg, is understood to have lived with her grandmother. She went missing on Saturday and her mutilated body was found in the veld at Durban Deep, Roodepoort, on Sunday. 'While police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding this brutal incident, we are devastated by Likhona's death during National Child Protection Week, where we raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in our constitution. 'As the department, we cannot begin to express how disheartened we are by the loss of Likhona, a young girl learner who had a bright future ahead of her. For her life to have been taken from her in such a brutal manner is unacceptable and we call on law enforcement authorities to speedily apprehend those responsible. 'We extend our sincerest condolences to the family and the school community of Ikusasalethu Secondary, assuring them we share their pain,' said Chiloane. TimesLIVE
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Pupil, 14, murdered, dismayed Gauteng MEC sends counsellors to school
Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane on Monday sent the department's psychosocial support team to offer trauma counselling to classmates and teachers who knew Likhona Fose, who was found murdered at the weekend. The 14-year-old grade 8 pupil at Ikusasalethu Secondary School in Braamfischerville, Johannesburg, is understood to have lived with her grandmother. She went missing on Saturday and her mutilated body was found in the veld at Durban Deep, Roodepoort, on Sunday. 'While police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding this brutal incident, we are devastated by Likhona's death during National Child Protection Week, where we raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in our constitution. 'As the department, we cannot begin to express how disheartened we are by the loss of Likhona, a young girl learner who had a bright future ahead of her. For her life to have been taken from her in such a brutal manner is unacceptable and we call on law enforcement authorities to speedily apprehend those responsible. 'We extend our sincerest condolences to the family and the school community of Ikusasalethu Secondary, assuring them we share their pain,' said Chiloane.
