Joshlin Smith's kidnappers sentenced as Child Protection Week begins

As Joshlin Smith’s kidnappers were sentenced to life imprisonment for human trafficking and  ten years for kidnapping on Thursday, the country observed the start of Child Protection Week.

From May 29 to June 5, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) said it was the culmination of a month-long awareness campaign in the province, placing the spotlight on the rights of children.

In the first campaign, the DSD took to the streets of the Breede Valley Municipality for the official start of Child Protection Week, by hosting a 10-kilometre relay.

Various NGOs that work in the child protection space, the local fire department and safety and foster parents joined Social Development MEC Jaco Londt for the event under the theme "Passing the baton for child protection".

The department funds 108 Designated Child Protection Organisations across the province that play a crucial role in protecting children’s welfare and providing support services for vulnerable children.

According to DSD, in November 2024, there were 42 322 children in foster care or places of safety in the Western Cape.

They said this number represents an increase from 35 610 in March 2021.

"The government alone cannot protect all the vulnerable children in the province, it is simply impossible. Our department needs its NGO partners, municipalities, communities, our residents, and the private sector in this great and important task," said Londt.

Elarna Siljeur, DSD social work supervisor said children have the right to be protected from exploitation and harm. 

“We marched to highlight this and to call on communities to protect children, and for them to see who they can go to for help,” she said.

DSD said the event culminated in the lighting of torches at the Boland Park Stadium, symbolising the start of Child Protection Week.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

“I encourage businesses and residents who are able to assist these child protection organisations, to please support either through donations of for example diapers, formula, school uniforms, or by volunteering your time. There are also many children who are removed from harmful situations by social workers and are then in need of temporary safe care. If you have a heart for helping them, please consider becoming a safety or foster parent," Londt said. 

Cape Argus