Caring for the abused children is the responsibility of the nation – a practical theological investigation

Abstract

Child abuse is a problem that affect Thohoyandou Area, Ha-Tshivhasa in Limpopo Province. The aim of this research is to add value towards unfolding negative techniques regarding child abuse at the initiation schools, especially of those who suffered the consequences of ritual rites and primitive beliefs. The research documents will formulate guideline for the church leaders and social workers rendering services concerning child abuse. In addition to this, the research is aimed at rediscovering a system in which the children can be protected against any element of abuse. The research document wil be used as a guiding tool to the investigators attached to the South African Police Service, who investigates cases of child abuse. The method used in this investigative and evaluative exercise was that of personal interviews with initiates, victims= parents, community leaders, church leaders, christians and the reading of christian education literature. What came out of this investigation is that, indeed, most of the children are abused at the initiation schools. The findings are that, boys are tracked and hijacked to go to the schools for genital circumcission. By way of unpacking the findings, it should be said that there is a little concern from relevant roleplayers, namely; churches, social workers, the police and the entire community, regarding the child abuse that takes place at the initiation schools. Incidents that took place at the initiation schools are, however, not investigated in most of the inatances. Over the years, initiation schools were never guided and channelled by the government. This has led to assault, malicious damage to property and kidnapping. With the implementation of strategies laid down in Chapter 4 and 5 of this research, the situation at Ha-Tshivhasa villages regarding the initiation schools, can be remedied, and effective christian counselling, social worker service and investigation by the police will be embraced.