An attack on a child is an attack on humanity yet every day in South Africa children are experiencing violence in the most horrific ways.  Often these stories go ignored and unreported – especially in a time when we are so focused on our economic woes, party coalitions and the changing political climate. However, the news of Kutlwano Garesape’s execution caught the nation’s attention.

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Kutlwano, whose life was violently taken while trying to protect his mother from an attacker last Friday. There can be no justifiable explanation for one person to inflict such pain on an innocent child – a child who had his whole life ahead of him.

He will be laid to rest on Saturday, 20 August and our hope is that, as a nation, we use this moment to both heal and challenge the status quo that violence against children is acceptable.

Of course reversing the status quo can be risky but we have to take that risk. Please stand with us, as we challenge the status quo and commit to not becoming numb to the issues children are facing every single day in our country.  We do not need 16 days. We need real solutions and robust, coordinated systems in place to deal with this issue. It is desperately needed for the sake of our children and the success of our country.

Let us continue to work towards creating a place where every last child in South Africa is able to thrive in a safe environment, free from violence. 

Rest in peace Kutlwano. Your untimely death will not be in vain.

For comments and interviews, please contact: Asanda Magaqa, Media Relations Manager, Save the Children South Africa Tel: 082 572 3232 or 012 430 7775

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Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In South Africa and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.