Eden Karoo Region: Child Protection and Substance Abuse support in spotlight

Child Protection Month may be over, and Youth Month coming to an end, but the Western Cape Department of Social Development (WCDSD) is continuing its commitment to safeguarding children from neglect and abuse.

Various stakeholders, including the South African Police Service, various government departments from national and provincial, NGO partners Badisa, Association for Persons with Disabilities, Partners in Sexual Health and Molo Songololo, attended a Child Protection Imbizo in Beaufort West on the 29th of June 2023.

Provincial Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, addressed attendees and thanked them for braving the icy cold to attend the imbizo.

“Today, I experienced the power of partnerships and collaboration, the whole-of-society and whole-of-government approaches we always talk about, in action. The imbizo highlighted the commitment by government, NGOs, and community members in caring for and protecting the children and youth of this province,” says provincial Minister Sharna Fernandez.

Representatives from the different entities told residents about the services they provide when it comes to child protection, and how they can access them. A call was made for community members to work with the government in protecting children and youth, and to report any instances of neglect or abuse to the relevant officials.

Meanwhile, in Mossel Bay, residents were invited to the Great Brak River Youth Café to sign up to be part of the Substance Abuse Volunteer/ Mentorship Programme. This exciting initiative by the WCDSD and Mossel Bay Municipality will see volunteers from the community being empowered with knowledge and skills to be a better support system to those affected by Substance Use Disorders (SUD).

“Substantive evidence has shown us that someone who battles with a SUD who receives support from family, friends and community during the recovery process has a higher chance of abstaining from substance use. I commend all those who are volunteering to be part of this program, you may be a key part of changing someone’s life for the better,” adds provincial Minister Fernandez.

For more information about support services for SUDs or child protection services provided by the provincial Department of Social Development, please call our toll-free number 0800 220 250 or visit your nearest local office. 

Media Enquiries:
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Spokesperson to MEC Sharna Fernandez
Department of Social Development
Tel: 084 775 2975
E-mail: Monique.Mortlock@westerncape.gov.za