[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

26 May 2005

The Minister of Social Development, Dr ZST Skweyiya, will on Monday, 30 May 2005, at 10h00 at the South African Police Service (SAPS) College Pretoria West, launch the green ribbon as a new national symbol for child protection at a gathering expected to be attended by over 2500 children, representatives of government as well as civil society.

The gathering will mark the beginning of Child Protection Week as from 30 May to 5 June 2005. “As we begin the second decade of freedom we must make sure that we unite all our efforts as the government, private sector, labour, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), faith-based organisations, community-based organisations and indeed society at large in protecting our children,” said the Minister.

This Child Protection Week in particular, which will be symbolised with the green ribbon, should usher in a new period in which all of us individually and collectively make sure that children are protected from all forms of abuse, that they are protected from poverty and vulnerability, by among others registering all eligible children under 14 years for the Child Support Grant and that indeed orphans and other vulnerable children are given the necessary care and support,” further said the Minister.

“As we build a South Africa that truly belongs to all we must make sure that children enjoy the benefit of all freedom and democracy that indeed the next decade make them truly feel the fruits of that freedom,” concluded the Minister.

The launch of Child Protection Week is expected to be attended by amongst others Deputy Ministers, representatives of South African Police Service, senior government officials, NGOs, as well as community caregivers.

No less than 197 activities are planned throughout the country to commemorate Child Protection Week.

Enquiries: Mr Mbulelo Musi
Cell: 082 904 3395

Issued by: Ministry of Social Development
26 May 2005