Stay alert and protect children during school holidays

Stay alert and protect children during school holidays As South African public schools closed for the September spring holiday on Wednesday , Social Development Minister Dina Pule has urged South Africans, particularly parents and guardians, to remain vigilant and take every precaution to protect children from harm. “Some of these children will be travelling to various holiday destinations, and South Africans are urged to ensure that their safety is not compromised. To remain proactive and prevent abuse, including gender-based violence and human trafficking, parents must always exercise caution and alert their neighbours or family members when children are left alone at home,” Pule said in a statement on Friday. The Minister stressed that children, whenever possible, must not be allowed to roam the streets without a valid reason, as they may become vulnerable to various forms of abuse, including abduction, sexual assault, and human trafficking. As the Department of Social Development is responsible for the implementation of Pillar 4 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF), the Minister said the department will continue to strengthen communities and provide institutional responses, care, support and healing to survivors of GBV and their families. The implementation of Pillar 4 requires all South Africans, including civil society organisations, faith-based organisations and society at large, to play their part in preventing and responding to GBVF. “It is important for parents and caregivers to ensure the safety of children by knowing their whereabouts at all times, as perpetrators may take advantage of vulnerable children during the school holidays,” the Minister said. Pule also reminded South Africans that they have a collective responsibility to continuously provide care, support and protection to children. This is in support of the 365 Days Comprehensive Child Protection Campaign. The Minister further encouraged citizens to share contact details of Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) with their children and those responsible for their care. Anyone who suspects that a child is being abused or is experiencing any form of violence is urged to contact the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428. The Command Centre can also be accessed by sending a Please Call Me to *120*7867#; or SMS with the word “Help” to 31531; or using Skype: Helpme GBV. The centre will remain fully operational 24 hours a day, including throughout the school holidays. The Minister wished all children a safe and enjoyable school holiday. – SAnews.gov.za GabiK Fri, 09/25/2026 - 14:36 41