Madame Speaker, the IFP calls on the Department of Social Development to urgently look at the plight of street children. We ask the Minister to report back to this House as to what their successes or failures are in ensuring that the problem of street children is solved, by alternatively putting them in places of safety or by finding other methodologies of dealing with them.
The greatest resource in Africa are its children. It is within them that the solution to Africa's problems and the continent's future lies. Therefore, it is important to cultivate this resource and nurture it lovingly. Otherwise it could become a source of despair. Morally, every society has a duty to protect their very weak from the ravages of destitution; something we in South Africa have always failed to do. The welfare of all members of any community is the responsibility of every member of the community. The weak, especially children, require our compassion and absolute support. Street children, pleasant or not, are amongst the weakest. When the children are treated with disdain and contempt, they become alienated, disgruntled, confrontational, aggrieved, unhappy, and very angry. One day they will fight back and you might be their target when they do.
We all know that a lot of street children choose to stay on the streets rather than going to shelters or homes because they don't trust their caregivers. Many of the street kids have been subjected to rape, abuse and neglect by the very same caregivers and families. We have to acknowledge and deal with this, as a matter of urgency. I thank you.