More than 240 children separated from their families during new year celebrations

The Western Cape Department of Social Development expressed concerns over the trend of children that get separated from their families on beaches and in public spaces.

This comes as more than 240 children were separated from their families at Monwabisi, Mnandi, Camps Bay, Strandfontein, Muizenberg and Strand beaches during the new year celebrations.

The department said most of these incidents occurred in Strand this year.

The department’s MEC, Sharna Fernandez, said: “Worryingly, this happens every year. The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) urges parents, guardians, and adults to keep a close eye on children when they are in public spaces, especially congested places like beaches. Let us ensure children are safe and protected at all times.”

She said even though their social workers and City of Cape Town staff were able to reunite most of the young ones with their families, some children were not collected timeously and had to be placed in places of safety.

“As per legislation, the parents/guardians had to follow legal processes to be reunified with their children.”