WC MEC for social development calls for child safety to be prioritised

Cape Town - The Western Cape MEC for social development has called for child safety to be prioritised.

Child safety cases have continued to spark headlines this year in the province, with the latest case being the assault of a nine-year-old girl in Hanover Park, in Cape Town.

MEC for Social Development Jaco Londt said that recent cases had proved that the need for child protection services was on the rise.

"There are over 42,000 children in the foster system in the Western Cape. Year after year, we see the need for child protection services growing. We need to bring back the spirit of ubuntu to communities, where your child is my child," said Londt.

Londt said that he had encouraged people to consider helping children in need, in any way that they can.

"We need you, the resident, to help us and to step up this Child Protection Month. I want to encourage people to protect children from harm and report abuse to the police or the Department of Social Development. I also want to encourage people to consider becoming a safety or a foster parent, or volunteer at a NPO-run CYCC," he added.