Lerato Mbhiza
The Cabinet has expressed concern about the safety of children following recent cases of child kidnappings in different parts of the country including the mysterious disappearance of 6-year-old Joshlin Smith from Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni cautioned parents and caregivers about the safety of children in their care while briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
“Parents and caregivers must be extra vigilant regarding the safety and whereabouts of children in their care and should educate children on general safety precautions. In the spirit of Ubuntu, communities are urged to assist with taking care of children,” Ntshavheni said on Thursday.
Cabinet applauded police and the community of Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape for the arrest of suspects in connection with the missing Joshlin Smith.
According to reports, Joshlin, a Grade 1 learner from Diazville in Saldanha Bay, disappeared on February 19, just after 5pm while allegedly in the care of his mothers boyfriend.
Joshlin’s mother and her boyfriend are among those arrested and charged for her disappearance.
Ntshavheni said the Cabinet joins the nation in prayer and efforts for the safe return of many other children who have gone missing in the recent past.
“Cabinet calls on persons with any information on all missing children to contact their nearest police station or call Crime Stop at 08600 10111 immediately.
“It simply cannot be the norm that 30 years into our democracy women and children live in fear of being the next victim. This damning situation goes against the founding values of our constitutional democracy, which is built on human rights, human dignity and equality for all,” she said.
As the world commemorated International Women’s Day on Friday, 8 March 2024, Cabinet reiterated its call on South African men to stand up and fight the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
“We call on men to take part in the 365 Days of No Violence against Women and Children Campaign.
“The case of Joshlin should serve as a reminder that all children must be protected by parents and their caregivers,” she said.
On Wednesday, Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, Stevano van Rhyn made a second appearance, and charges against an alleged sangoma Phumza Sigaqa were withdrawn.
Smith, Appollis and Van Rhyn abandoned their bail application and they face charges of trafficking in persons and kidnapping. The case has been postponed until May 13.
Ntshavheni also spoke about partnerships between the government and businesses as an important way to increase productivity and create more jobs.
“Cabinet is confident that the partnership between government and business will help uplift GDP gross domestic product to address our nation’s socio-economic challenges, including increasing sustainable employment, and restoring investor and public confidence.”
According to the Ntshavheni, the Cabinet has welcomed the progress made in the strategic collaboration between government and business, which has ensured substantial resources and skills investment in addressing key challenges.
The key areas that need addressing, she said, include energy, transport and logistics, and the fight against crime and corruption.
“The recent meeting convened by President Cyril Ramaphosa between government and business discussed, among others, the progress made over the last three months on key priorities to accelerate economic growth.”
As part of the support provided by business, the Resource Mobilisation Fund, established to support the implementation of the Energy Action Plan, has raised about R100 million so far.
She also told the media that work continues to support the National Logistics Crisis Committee and the Joint Initiative on Crime and Corruption.
“Cabinet calls on all South Africans and economic sectors to work together in building a stronger and more inclusive economy that creates jobs and contributes to a better tomorrow for all
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