By Jonk wa Mashamba
Editor-In-Chief
news@alexreporter.co.za
Evelyn Twala, a local artist and businesswoman, advised parents to take care of their children.
Twala was speaking during the candlelight at a scene where Simphiwe Vilakazi (9) was found dead. She was found in the Juiskei River, 20 Roosevelt, in Alexandra, trapped by a rock.
Twala’s business and home are situated not far from the scene. She told the grievers that she heard many horrifying things from children who were buying from her shoo
She said she mostly spends time with the children because they buy food from her business.
Through her interactions with them, Twala discovered that many of them belonged to broken families.
She claims that some of them have knives and guns.
“Through their language when I speak to them, you could tell what kind of families they are from.”
She said it was imperative that parents raise their children appropriately and make choices about how they speak to them.
“I always tell my children that I am not raising boys and girls, but men and women.
“It starts with us parents. You ought to be careful how you talk to your children. In my place, children don’t know voetsek.
“If this language is spoken in my home, the children will be surprised and will ask why is it used.
“The way we talk with our kids is very important. Even our dog doesn’t know voetsek… he’s just going to look at you, because we don’t use that language,” she says.
Twala said some kids date older men because their parents don’t care or support them.
“I am begging you, parents, please take care of your children. Your children are having hard times, when all you’re doing is preserving your beauty.
“You go drink or go to chisanyamas and have fun, but neglect your children. These kids go to sleep with older men so they can get something in return. All of this comes from the kids because I ask them questions.
“Why are we bringing these kids to earth if we can’t take care of them? If you don’t need that child, then a lot of people need her… adopt them.”
