The Department of Social Development said the fight against child trafficking and abuse must start at home, where children should feel the safest.
As part of Child Protection Month, the department is focusing on empowering parents and caregivers to create safer environments and prevent the exploitation of vulnerable children.
This renewed focus comes amid growing public concern over the disappearance of little Joshlin Smith, who has been missing for over a year.
Child trafficking
Her mother, Kelly Smith, along with co-accused, Jacqun Appollis and Steveno van Ryhn, were recently convicted of kidnapping and human trafficking after the court found they had sold the child.
Department spokesperson Bathembu Futshane said Joshlin’s case is not isolated, as many more go unnoticed.
“Homes which are supposed to be a safe space for children are now regrettably becoming unsafe places for children. So, we are looking at how do we capacitate and empower parents and caregivers to ensure that homes become safe places for children.”
In other news – Singer Nomcebo Zikode loses court battle against Open Mic Productions
Nomcebo Zikode has spoken out following her recent loss in court against Open Mic Productions. In a statement released through her label, Emazulwini Productions, the Grammy Award-winning artist expressed deep disappointment over the High Court ruling, which she described as fundamentally flawed and troubling.
At the heart of the legal dispute is the global hit Jerusalema, a song that became a cultural phenomenon and brought South African music to the global stage. Read More
