I Subrathie

In 1989 world leaders came together and made a historic commitment to the world’s children They made a promise to every child to protect and fulfil their rights, by adopting an international legal framework – the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, celebrated in every first week of November. But sadly, still, not every child gets to enjoy a full childhood. Still, too many childhoods are cut short. The very thought of the thousands of innocent children massacred in the genocide in Palestine should send shivers down our spine.

South Africa also has its own history of many childhoods being cut short. Among these young lives that were cut short is an 11-year-old Zarah Ramsamy who was run over by a vehicle that was being hijacked at a parking lot of a fast-food outlet in Malvern, Durban on Wednesday 11 September 2024. This innocent victim was conveyed to a nearby hospital for medical attention where she was declared dead.

The tragic death of young Zara Ramsamy is a reflection of how vulnerable our children are to crime in South Africa. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Zarah’s family, friends, classmates at Penzance Primary, and all who were touched by her warmth, kindness, and vibrant spirit.

We call on the police to do more to protect all children of South Africa and make our neighbourhoods safer for our children to thrive and grow up to serve the country. We also urge communities to work with the police to ensure the perpetrators of Zarah’s death are brought to book.