The Centre for Early Childhood Development (CECD) and the Cape Town Museum of Childhood held a silent protest last Wednesday in support of Child Protection Week, from Sunday June 2 to Sunday June 9.
The protest took place on the corner of Klipfontein and Milner roads, in front of the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.
CECD spokesperson Najwah Mukadam said: “In the past year, there has been a significantly higher number of cases of violence against children, with many children being raped and killed, and therefore the need to encourage child protection is critical.”
The silent protest was supported by more than
40 people from various organisations, including
The Children’s Institute, Red Cross Hospital, the Department of Justice and Correctional Services, Home from Home, the Department of Health, Carehaven Shelter, Ikamva Labantu, Illitha Labantu, the South African Human Rights Commission, St Anne’s Home and Inclusive Education.
People held up posters that read , “Hoot for Change”, “Stop Child Abuse” and “#BeTheChange”.
Ms Mukadam said protesters stood together to raise awareness about the injustices against children in Cape Town and to encourage the public to embrace the “your child is my child” mantra.