MEDIA STATEMENT
BY THE
INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY
SADESMO Calls on Students to Behave Responsibly During Holidays
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Today (09 June 2010) marks the official end to the second term of the 2010 academic year throughout the country and learners look forward to almost six weeks of holidays. SADESMO National Spokesperson, Mkhuleko Hlengwa said: "On behalf of SADESMO I wish all learners and teachers a wonderful rest, after what has been a long and gruelling term. Importantly, may they all enjoy the World Cup and all its festivities and we hope that they will come out in their numbers in support of Bafana Bafana." Reflecting on the second South African National Youth Risk Behaviour Survey 2008, which was released earlier this year Hlengwa said: "The findings of this survey require all of us to change our ways and lead better lives. This long holiday is worrying against the backdrop of the survey's findings, which revealed that the number of learners who are part of gangs have increased by 5%; use of alcohol increased by 3%; binge drinking increased by 6% and those who had been driven by a drunk driver had alarming increased to 38%. We urge all parents to be extra vigilant and learners to be more responsible during these holidays, and not participate in dangerous activities." Hlengwa added that the upcoming World Cup is set to see an increase in child and women trafficking while the number of children who go missing every year is estimated to be around 1500. Hlengwa said: "Child trafficking remains one of our biggest challenges and must be fought at all costs. We expect parents to ensure that their children's safety throughout the World Cup. As a society, we all need to protect our children and women who bear the brunt of this explicit violation of human rights. The excitement of the World Cup should not cause us to negate our collective social responsibilities." In conclusion Hlengwa said: "May everyone have a blessed holiday - filled with joy, love, peace and happiness. For SADESMO, Operation Siyabahlangabeza - among our many programs and projects - continues throughout the country because we recognise that life continues after July 11." Issued by Sadesmo. For more information kindly contact: |