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As the Provincial Ministry that is charged with the responsibility to ensure the safety and security of all the people, we view the abuse of children in a very serious light. It is even worse when these heinous offences happened during the month of November as we have just celebrated National Children's Day in our province. Child victims appear to be on the increase and recent revelations show that the scourge of child molestation runs deep throughout South African society.

There is a myth that men who rape a young virgin or child would be cured, or made immune, from contracting the HIV/AIDS virus. There is no scientific evidence that men who raped young children would be cured of HIV/AIDS. As the Provincial Government of Safety and Security, we condemn this type of behaviour in the strongest terms.

Chapter 2 of the Bill of Rights of our Constitution states that, every child has the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation.

In the wake of many incidents of children abuse, there should be equal emphasis on child abuse. There is a mistake that people make: they put too much emphasis on the girl child and women and forget about the boy child. At present intercourse with a boy under the age of 16 would not amount to rape, it is indecent assault, as is the act of sodomy. Cases of sodomy are not reported and for as long as society neglect the boy child he will become a criminal when he grows up. This is mainly because of built-up anger and the desire for revenge. People must change their mindset.

We in the Office of the MEC view rape as a crime of violence, rage and hate. This should not be allowed in our society. No victim asks for rape - no matter what the circumstances. It is our belief that all children have the right to be protected from prostitution and sexual exploitation.

Police alone cannot win the fight against child abuse. We appeal to non-governmental organisation, schools, community-based organisations, churches and the public to join hands and declare a crusade against rape. We all should play a more active role in exposing the abuse of children, because most of these incidents happen within the family environment.

We are aware that many women are being abused. Most women stay in abusive relationships because of economic reasons, some think that abuse is a way of life. As we are engaged in a campaign of 16 Days of Activism on No Violence Against Women and Children, we appeal to women who are being abused to break the silence and report incidents of domestic violence.

Our children are the building blocks of the future of this country. Let us treat them with compassion, understanding, respect, protect them, and ensure them a happy and secure childhood. We appeal to parents especially now that we are approaching the Festive Season to take care of their children. Members of the community are encouraged to report all forms of child abuse to their nearest police station.

Contact: William Mogajane at 082 808 2489/015 295 8977

Issued by: Office of the MEC for Safety, Security and Liaison, Northern Province, 27 November 2001