The bill is aimed at the amending and inserting of certain definitions to extend the children’s court jurisdiction, and to further provide for the care of abandoned or orphaned children. 

The two legislatures in central South Africa, held the public hearings to offer an opportunity to residents to in addition deal with matters that may be regulated and to provide for additional matters relating to children in alternative care. 

The public hearings come on the hot heels of various reports where children have either been kidnapped, raped or murdered across the country. 

OFM News previously reported that the body of a two-year-old boy was found in a shallow grave in the small-town of Blydeville near Lichtenburg.

According to police spokesperson, Amanda Funani, the toddler was found in a shallow grave with his body already in a decomposed state.

ALSO READ: #ChildTragedy: Body of toddler in shallow grave

In February this year, the body of a two-year-old girl was found after a search and rescue operation at Tikwe River, Virginia, in the Free State.

ALSO READ: Body of two-year-old found

The  North West provincial legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development, chaired by Gavin Edwards, conducted public hearings on the Children’s’ Amendment Bill at the Thutlwane Community Hall in the Ratlou Local Municipality; the Magopa Community Hall in the JB Marks Local Municipality; the Taung Agricultural College Hall in the Greater Taung Local Municipality and at the Madibeng White Hall in the Madibeng Local Municipality.

Residents have since urged government to create awareness campaigns on mental health issues that also affect children as there is shortage of social workers and the need to educate communities on laws that would protect them from the social ills of the province.

OFM News