Save the Children South Africa (SCSA) is dismayed to learn of the incident in which an Eastern Cape mother allegedly sold her newborn twins for R50 a day to support a drug addiction. As this case was brought to the attention of authorities through a tip-off, SCSA also applauds the community for its awareness and action.

This past Sunday, at the launch of child protection week, the Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu called on the nation to work together to “protect children during COVID-19 and beyond”. As an organisation dedicated to the safeguarding and protection of South Africa’s most vulnerable children, we strongly encourage communities to speak out about incidents like these and get involved in protecting children.

“We need to do more to protect our children, not just today, not just this week, but every day. We need to stand together, get louder and stop the exploitation, abuse and neglect of children. It is unacceptable that in 2021, violence against children still takes place. There is no justification for children being exploited, abused or neglected,” says ​SCSA's CEO, Steve Miller. 

Save the Children insists that children have a right to live a life without violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect. We know that violence against children is a reality that children experience every day and everywhere. We also know that it can be prevented. Save the Children has an ambitious child protection breakthrough plan that will extend through until 2030. Through this, we intend to help change the way the world treats children and ensure – in partnership with others – that we achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives, and our ambition to ensure that violence against children is no longer tolerated.

ENDS

For more information or to set up interviews contact: Yani Horn on 079 234 2209 or  [email protected] 

About: Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In South Africa and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.

Note to the Editor: If children are affected, we’ve got something to say. Our team of experts are available for comments, interviews and information.