we are the child's protector

We are the child's protector
“There can be no keener revelation of society’s soul than the way it treats it’s children”
Nelson Mandela 

As I write this the South Africa Human Rights Commission is poised to investigate the alleged failure by government to implement the National Child Protection Register. Highly regarded by many child protection advocates, this register is a requirement stipulated in our much-applauded Children’s Act and is aimed at helping keep children safe from physical and sexual abuse and the potential abusers. Four years later...still no protection offered. 

Perhaps this latest set-back in legislation is a poignant reminder that legal acts, frameworks and registers do not protect children: we do. You and I. The man on the street, the neighbour, friend, granny, aunt, uncle and brother. 

We are called to stand up to violence and abuse. Not because we are legislated to, but because it’s right.

“Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me” Jesus, Matt 25 v40