South African President Jacob Zuma has reminded employers to check the National Child Protection Register before hiring people to work with children to safeguard children from abuse by those who have been convicted for crimes against children.

“There are 441 persons who have been found to be unsuitable to work with children in the past financial year, who are in this register. Let us protect children from further abuse,” said President Zuma during the International Children’s Day celebrations on Wednesday at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria.

Addressing the community, President Zuma said the government was working hard to address the scourge of child abuse, as well as neglect and exploitation of women and children. The government had established the National Child Protection Register under the Children’s Act of 2005.

The Cabinet has also established an Inter-Ministerial Committee, led by the Department of Social Development, to combat violence against women and children. The department in turn has set up a 24-hour Gender Based Violence Command Centre, which counsels and supports survivors of abuse and violence.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) is under standing orders to act swiftly against those who abuse women and children. All our law enforcement agencies are also responding well and the conviction rates for perpetrators of crimes against women and children are encouraging,” said President Zuma.

Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK