by Nedu at buzzSouthAfrica

Surely, you already know that the violence crime against children in South Africa is worrying. But then, nobody would have imagined that it cost SA R238 billion just in 2015. It was yesterday that the Gauteng government revealed that violence against children in the country doesn’t only threaten the safety of SA kid but also take away a huge sum of money the country could have used to better the lives its citizens.

Speaking, Gauteng Premier David Makhura lamented that the cost of violence against children is outrageous and that the nation must work together to crush the devastating problem. “We must work together because the challenge we are facing is enormous. The figures are shocking. On this day we are saying NO to abuse and violence against children. Not under our watch,” Makhura charged. The Premier and Community Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane affirmed that the Gauteng government will persistently work hard to stop violence against children. They made the affirmation when they unveiled a sculpture which was erected at Constitutional Hill to campaign against the crime.

Referring to a study conducted by Save the Children organisation which showed that one in every three young South African would have experienced sexual abuse in their lifetime, Gauteng Government indicated that they will continue work with Save the Children in order to make Gauteng and South Africa a safer place for children. To the Gauteng Premier, studies conducted by Save the Children organisation will help the nation understand and defeat the problem. 

He said: “It will go a long way in helping us to understand the conditions and challenges facing our children so that we can design appropriate interventions.”

Ultimately, it was upheld that all forms of physical and emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity costs SA R238.58 billion in 2015. Then, the amount was equivalent to 6 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product.

ENDS//:

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

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