Our children are under siege

I have noticed that it has become fashionable that whenever something unfortunate happens to a child, the question follows: “Where were the parents?”

It’s especially easier for white people to ask that question. We have monsters prowling the streets and abusing the children. Sadly, the way we live in the townships means there are few people at home during the day.

Our kids play in the streets; that’s how most of black people grew up, and it’s almost impossible for parents to monitor their children’s every move. and most can’t afford to helpers.

We were raised by the community and, sadly, it’s becoming impossible for us to continue with that tradition due to rising incidents of child abuse. Most kids return from school before their parents are back from work.

After changing from their school uniform, they quickly go out to play and parents are back in the evening.

At that time, anything could have happened. At the same time, it’s unrealistic to anticipate when something unfortunate would happen.

It becomes doubly difficult during school holidays; kids have the whole day to themselves to roam around.

We take it for granted that our kids play with others whom they’re familiar with, and can’t really bank on some crazy adult doing the unthinkable to our children.

If we were to change the mindset and supervise our children more it would require a total change of lifestyle and would mean that some people would have to stop working.

In most townships, working parents rely on those who are not working to become the eyes and ears of the neighbourhood. But these people can’t be everywhere at all times. Richardson Mzaidume

Pimville