Every year in South Africa 50, 000 children under the age of 5 do not survive.  The high rates of inequality and poverty in South Africa greatly affect children’s survival and life chances. The campaign slogan “Growing up is hard enough. It shouldn’t be a race for Survival.” resonates with all of us. 

To demonstrate the hurdles children have to jump over to reach adulthood, 80 children from within and around Johannesburg participated in Save the Children South Africa's Race for Survival obstacle course. The race held on Human Rights Day, at the PWC Bike Park in Bryanston, the race highlighted the the need of preventative programmes and an adherence to children’s rights.

The Race for Survival was the first event of an on-going partnership between the Save the Children South Africa and the Gauteng Department of Community Safety. The partnership, which was formed during the launch of Save the Children’s Violence Against Children campaign in 2016, is aimed at addressing the serious issue of violence against children.  

# # #

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Lois Moodley at 0124307775 or email at [email protected] 

About: 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.

Note to the Editor: If children are affected, we’ve got something to say. Our team of experts are available for comments, interviews and information.

For more information about the Violence Unwrapped campaign visit: violenceunwrapped.savethechildren.org.za

Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SavetheChildrenSouthAfrica

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SaveChildrenSA 

See the journey on Instragram: www.instagram.com/savethechildrensouthafrica