NATIONAL ASSEMBLY : 22nd May 2008  
 

The IFP calls on the Department of Social Development and the entire government to urgently look at the plight of street children.  

They must report back to this house as to what are their successes or failures in ensuring that the problem of street children is solved, by alternatively putting them in places of safety. 

The greatest resource in Africa is its children. It is within them that lies the solution to Africa's problems and the continent's future. Therefore it is important to cultivate this resource and nurture it lovingly. Otherwise it will become a source of agony. 

Morally, every society has a duty to protect their weak from the ravages of destitution; something we in SA have always failed to do with any efficacy.  

The welfare of all members of any community is the responsibility of every member of the community. The weak, especially children require our compassion and our support. Street children, pleasant or not, are amongst those weak.  

When the children are treated with disdain and contempt, they become alienated, disgruntled, confrontational, aggrieved, unhappy, and angry. One day they will fight back and YOU might be their target when they do.  

We all know that a lot of street children choose to stay in the streets rather than going to shelters or homes because they don't trust their caregivers. Many of the street kids have been subjected to rape, abuse and neglect by the by the very same caregivers and families. 

I thank you.