Government welcomes DSD action against Petite Bumper Daycare Centre

09 Apr 2014

Government welcomes the closure of Petite Bumper Daycare centre in Rosettenville, by the Department of Social Development and law enforcement agencies in Gauteng. This after the owner allegedly bound a toddler and gagged her with tape. It is also alleged that the owner committed this heinous abuse in order to quietly watch television (see Daily Sun report here).

GCIS Acting CEO, Phumla Williams, said "Abuse and violence against children will not be tolerated in our country. South Africa's constitution makes clear provision for the protection of children's rights. A child has a right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation."

Parents are encouraged to engage with staff and owners of facilities where they leave their children and determine if they are legally registered. This could be done through the verification of a registration certificate, which includes important information such as the number of children for which the premises are suitable and the hours of operation.

"Parents must insist on seeing a copy of the Department of Social Development registration certificate. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that their children are in a place that is safe and secure, and to be aware and vigilant of the establishment's supervisions, routine and discipline procedures.

"It takes a village to raise a child, and we are all expected to play our part in protecting, defending and loving the children of South Africa," said Williams.
Parents are encouraged to contact their nearest Social Development offices to determine the validity of certificates. Communities are urged to report any form of abuse and violence against children to their nearest police station or contact Childline on 0800 055 555.

Statement issued by Phumla Williams, Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), April 9 2014

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