In support of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, the children’s department of the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in South Africa has added its voice against the atrocities against women and children.

On Saturday, more than a thousand Sunday school children in their academic gowns took to the streets of Shayandima. Led by the leadership of the church, which included the national director of children’s ministry, Adv Sam Tshabalala, Zoutpansberg regional chairperson of the AFM, Dr Mackson Maanzwane and other senior church officials, they marched from P & L Hardware through the streets of Shayandima to the local satellite police station.

The leadership handed over a memorandum highlighting the plight of women and children. Adv Tshabalala told those gathered that they were there to make a statement against the continued violence perpetuated against children and particularly the girlchild. “As one of the largest pentecostal churches in South Africa, we have realised the value of children in our society. We are building a future church, future leaders who should grow up respecting their parents and living within the perfect moral fibre,” he added.

He said children were entitled to the best in life, which included better education and that they live in peace and joy. He said that a nation that did not care for its children was doomed. He encouraged parents to discuss the dangers of diseases such as HIV/Aids and obesity.

He said the 16 days should be extended to weeks, months and years and eventually become the African way of life.