by Masa Kekana at EWN

JOHANNESBURG – The Gauteng government joined Save the Children South Africa in their cursade to end violence against Children.

Premier David Makhura and community safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane have been presented with statistics about the levels of violence children in South Africa experience.

The figures were compiled by development and rights based organisation Save the Children South Africa.

According to the report titled Violence Unwrapped, the social and economic burden of violence against children in South Africa, one in three young people experience sexual abuse in their lifetime.

Makhura says the figures he received are shocking.

A 2015 study conducted by the Optimus Foundation and the University of Cape Town also shows that 23,1 percent of young people reported exposure to family violence, 44.5 percent had experienced theft while 26 percent had been robbed.

Yesterday, he unveiled a sculpture at constitution hill which has messages against violence against children and will be placed there for the duration of the 16 days of activism campaign.

The premier says the Gauteng safety strategy is one of government's interventions to put an end to violence against children.

ENDS//:

For more information or to set up an interview contact:

Lois Moodley on 0724401519 or [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

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