The scourge of violence against women and children is being allowed to go unchecked by an uncaring ANC government - and this was highlighted as rape and murder victim Inathi Abukwe Mhlahlo (6) was laid to rest today.

Inathi’s half-naked body was found in bushes next to a road in Mdantsane in East London on 26 October of this year.

Now more than ever it is clear that urgent steps need to be taken to protect our children.

Children in the Eastern Cape face many challenges - including poverty, crime, abuse and neglect. Additionally, children are also grappling with school interruptions due to the uncertainty brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In September 2020 it was reported in the media that data released by EC MEC for Safety and Liaison, Weziwe Tikana-Gxothiwe, and provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Liziwe Ntshinga, indicates that crimes against children from 1 April to 30 June 2020 increased by 12.3% compared to the same period last year.

There was a 26.3% increase in the killing of children during that period. A total of 130 children were assaulted and 601 children were sexually assaulted. Additionally, 496 children were raped during the same period.

From April 2018 to March 2019 2695 children were raped in the Eastern Cape and 375 were sexually assaulted, 4082 women were raped and 432 sexually assaulted. The total number of crimes against women and children, including murder, attempted murder, assault and robbery was more than 29 000 — almost 1000 more than the previous year.

We will, therefore, write to Premier Oscar Mabuyane to request that he appoints a Children’s Commissioner in the Eastern Cape.

In June of this year the DA-governed Western Cape appointed South Africa's first Children's Commissioner.

In the Western Cape the responsibilities of the Children’s Commissioner include monitoring, investigating, researching, educating, lobbying and advising and reporting on matters relating to children in the province. The office is independent and accountable to the provincial legislature.

The Commissioner will also make referrals to appropriate government departments when concerns are raised about children in need of support. From a developmental point the Commissioner will foster relationships with government and stakeholders to promote a child-rights approach to governance.

DAWN and DAY will also request DA EC Shadow MEC for Safety and Security, Bobby Stevenson, MPL, to take this matter up with Premier Mabuyane in the Provincial Legislature.

Children are our future and they must be protected!

Issued by The DA