03 Jul 2014

Kgosi Brown Tshosa of Marope ward in Tutume has urged guardians to love and nurture orphans who are under their care.

Kgosi Tshosa said most orphans are vulnerable children whose rights are often violated by the people who are supposed to care for them.

“Orphans are vulnerable to sexual abuse at an early age. I am worried by the way orphans are raised in the village and I must remind people that orphans are just normal children who also need love and care from their guardians,” he said.

Kgosi Tshosa urged guardians to make sure that orphans are raised in a safe and clean environment. He said the village leadership was worried because they always see orphans being left to care for themselves.

He said orphans are covered by the Child Act and should not be left to fend for themselves as they are still too young and can endanger themselves.

“I am aware that resources are limited in most households, but we have to try our best to ensure that orphans get all the basic needs and love for them to grow into responsible adults,” he said.

He said there is need for communication and consultation between the guardian and the orphan and urged guardians not to discriminate against orphans. He said it would be painful for orphans to be discriminated just because they do not have parents and added that those who are not given love and care end up on the streets or in trouble with the law.

He urged parents to make sure that orphans are not exposed to any form of abuse like being forced to perform manual duties at any early stage.

Kgosi Tshosa said some guardians refuse to allow orphans to attend school and turn them into herd boys and girls who are relegated to caring for livestock and working at the lands while other kids attend school.

“The public must report any disturbing issues that concern the welfare of orphans to social workers. ends