The programme aims to keep children safe at crowded beaches over the summer holidays. Thanks to this initiative, 169 lost children were successfully reunited with their loved ones over Christmas and Boxing Day.
Identikidz is coordinated by the City’s Community, Arts and Culture Development Department. It operates at key beaches across Cape Town during the festive season.
A breakdown of the numbers
Strandfontein Beach recorded the highest number of tags with 3 264 children. This was followed by Strand Beach with 3 183, and Monwabisi Beach with 3 005.
“The number of children tagged is an indication of how packed the beaches were,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
“It is easy for young children to lose sight of where their family is located and get lost in the crowds. A number of the lost children in the past two days were not tagged.”
Van der Ross assured parents and caregivers that their information is confidential and is only used when their child is lost. She has encouraged families to assist the City and participate in the programme.
“With more holidays and good weather coming up, I want to encourage parents and caregivers who visit the beach with small children to find the Identikidz registration desks and get their little ones tagged,” she added.
Citywide participation
Other beaches participating in the Identikidz initiative saw the following numbers of children tagged:
- Muizenberg: 2 904
- Camps Bay: 1 933
- Mnandi: 2 589
- Harmony Park: 1 815
- Gordon’s Bay: 1 486
- Fish Hoek: 1 109
- Milnerton Beach: 1 165
- Melkbosstrand: 664
- Silwerstroom: 893
- Lagoon Beach: 332
- Big Bay: 785
- Maiden’s Cove: 183
According to the City, the Identikidz programme is very straightforward. With permission from parents or caregivers, staff at the respective Identikidz registration desks will register children and provide them with identification wristbands.
These tags are used to reunite lost children with their families. The programme works closely with the provincial Department of Social Development, City enforcement agencies, and the South African Police Service to ensure child safety.
Have you made use of the Identikidz programme?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
