02 Mar 2014

Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has advised Batswana to form children protection committees in order to safeguard the rights of children.

Presenting the 2009 Children’s Act to Kanye Sub-council meeting, Ms Tshireletso said children had a right to proper care and protection from both parents, even if they were born out of wedlock.

She took a swipe at some parents, especially women, who denied children access and care from the other co-parent, father and vice versa, adding it was an offence to do so. The minister warned that if found guilty the offender could be fined P2 000 or serve three to six years sentence or both.

Ms Tshireletso also raised concern about some parents who received monthly maintenance fees for their children but used the money on themselves instead of children. The minister further warned parents to afford their children the right to basic education.

She expressed worry that a good number of school age children were employed either as child-minders or herd boys. She also raised alarm on some step fathers who sexually exploited unsuspecting step children and got away with it.

Thus, Ms Tshireletso urged Batswana to form children protection committees in their respective villages, a platform that would enable parents to know and observe children’s rights and report to the relevant authorities where necessary.

She has furthermore advised parents to give their children names they would not be ashamed of when they grew up. Meanwhile some councillors have complained especially about some farmers who employed children less than 16 years of age, adding stern measures should be taken against them for denying them the right to education. ENDS