Pressure is mounting on the new Western Cape Children’s Commissioner to address child safety, amid ongoing violence affecting the youth. This follows statistics revealed in the Western Cape Parliament earlier this week that 63 children were murdered between April and August this year.

Pressure is mounting on the new Western Cape Children’s Commissioner

Sarah Helena Roberts was recently appointed as the Western Cape’s new Commissioner for Children. She’s an advocate and also an acting magistrate. Roberts takes over from Christina Nomdo, who completed her 5-year term. Nomdo was the inaugural Children’s Commissioner.

A new Western Cape Children’s Commissioner appointed

The commissioner works with the departments of Education, Health, Social Development, and Cultural Affairs and Sport. She will work for the protection and promotion of the rights, needs and interests of children in the province. Premier Alan Winde yesterday officially handed Roberts her letter of appointment. He says with her expertise she will bring fresh energy and determination to this critical role.

Premier Alan Winde officially handed Roberts her letter of appointment

Meanwhile, a four-year-old girl is in a critical condition in hospital. This is after a stray bullet hit her in the abdomen in a shooting in Atlantis two days ago. The GOOD Party’s Brett Herron has welcomed the recent appointment of Sarah Helena Roberts as the Children’s Commissioner. He has however noted, that she has a lot of work to do.