By CECD
In recognition of World Children’s Day on 20 November 2024, the Centre for Early Childhood Development (CECD) is hosting an important event, Raising Our Voices for Our Children, at St George’s Cathedral, from 10h00am to 12h00pm. This event seeks to bring together different sectors of society to spotlight critical children’s issues and rally collective action to truly support our children in South Africa. Despite 30 years of democracy, of ‘freedom’, many children in South Africa still suffer a disturbing, if not heart-breaking, reality.
Professor Eric Atmore, CECD director, comments that the daily reports of abuse, neglect and preventable accidents, such as children dying from falling into pit latrines, underscore a systemic failure to support and safeguard our children. “Our children deserve safety, opportunity, and love. Addressing this is not just a government duty; it’s a shared responsibility.”
South Africa’s child protection statistics paint a disturbing picture. In 2022, the Department of Social Development recorded 17,488 cases of child abuse and neglect. Many cases go unreported, uninvestigated, or unaddressed, and child abuse data remains absent from police crime reports. Nationwide studies reveal that by age 17, over a third of South African children have endured sexual abuse, while physical abuse and neglect affect one in five children.
Compounding the challenges, ECD (Early Childhood Development) programmes struggle to stay afloat. Although 62% of these centres allow some children to attend free of charge, the government’s ECD subsidy of R17 per child per day—unchanged since 2019—falls short in meeting the rising costs of food, electricity, and other essentials. CECD’s advocacy and social justice unit underscores that sustainable support for ECD centres requires both policy action and community involvement.
This year’s World Children’s Day event will feature prominent speakers from various sectors - academia, religious institutions, youth and business—addressing child rights, protection, education, and community collaboration. Among the speakers are Imam Rashied Omar, Reverend Johan Pretorius, Professor Jonathan Jansen, child protection activist Patric Solomons, MOT SA’s Viola Manuel, ECD activist Theodorah Lutuli and CECD’s Professor Eric Atmore, each bringing a unique perspective and solutions to these pressing issues.
With over 600 attendees expected, including government officials, non-profit organisations, ECD professionals, journalists, social workers, and community leaders, the event promises to be a dynamic space for cross-sector collaboration and action. Adding to the morning’s programme, renowned singer Jimmy Nevis will perform a set dedicated to hope and advocacy, amplifying the call for a brighter future for all children.
CECD invites journalists, community members, and policymakers to join us in raising our voices and making a difference. Together, we can build a South Africa where every child is protected, valued, and given the chance to thrive. The event is free and open to the public. Reserve a place now by completing this Google Form: REGISTER HERE
The following contacts are available for interview purposes:
• Eric Atmore, director of the Centre for Early Childhood Development (CECD) (eric@cecd.org.za)
• Yusrah Ehrenreich, Advocacy and Social Justice Manager at CECD (yusrah@cecd.org.za)
• Jessica Blom, Programme Manager for CECD (jblom@cecd.org.za)
• High School Learners - Inganathi Ndiko (Grade 11 at Voortrekker High) and Shakoor Lucas (Grade 11 at Heideveld High) - (nmukadam@cecd.org.za)
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