The Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) calls on provincial government leaders, including KZN Premier Thami Ntuli and Social Development MEC, Mbali Shinga to urgently prioritise the protection of our province’s children.
The appeal comes after the recent release child rape statistics, which see KZN with the highest number of child rape, assault and abuse cases in the country.
According to the figures, 18 108 of these horrific crimes were reported in KZN 2022/23 – the highest figure country-wide. This while, according to the reply to a DA parliamentary question – more than 106 000 rape cases involving children were reported over the past six financial years in South Africa.
The sad and shocking reality is that our children are not safe.
Of particular concern is the fact that despite 18 108 cases being reported to date 10 435 suspects have been arrested while only 471 are facing trial. The gap between the number of cases reported, arrests made and the number facing trial is a clear indication that not enough is being done to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.
Children are our future leaders. Yet, instead of helping them grow and prosper, many are subject to these horrific crimes.
Government – and by extension KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) needs to provide more programmes if there is to be any impact on eliminating this scourge. This needs to include private sector partnerships and NGO’s and must encompass safety strategies to protect children against rape, assault and violence.
Parents also need to start listening to their children if they complain of abuse or feelings of unease around certain adults. Education and awareness are key and government must play its critical part in keeping our children safe from harm.