The Gauteng Department of Social Development took services to families staying in an informal settlement known as Khayelitsha near Meyerton, Sedibeng Region.
The celebration was held under the theme "Socially just transition towards sustainable development: the role of digital technologies on social development and well-being of all."
Outlining the purpose of the event, department's Social Work Supervisor, Itani Mashau, said the day reflects the importance of the families as the basic units of society. "This observance of the International Day for families focuses on the impacts of new technologies on the well-being of families", Mashau added.
She also said families are the backbone of every society and encouraged parents to support their children irrespective of the mistakes they make in life. "As parents, we have to give our children the best start in life they can get. The more stable the family environment for a child, the more likely they will be healthier both
mentally and physically".
Addressing participants in the event social worker, Tshepo Tema, said bullying is another problem that destroyed many children, adding that many children end up on the streets due to bullying they experience in schools.
Tema said sometimes they are unable to report bullies because the family environment is not conducive. He encouraged parents to listen to their children and support them.
"Parents love your children, support them in everything they do, don't tell your child that they are failures because you don't know what impact it has on a child's life. We have to strive at all times to build families that are stable and conducive for children to grow and develop properly, families that are conducive for a child to open up and report everything", added Tema.
He said the proper role of a parent to a child is to provide encouragement, support, and access to activities that enable the child to develop well in life. "A parent is their child's first teacher and should always remain their best teacher throughout their life".
"We all know it is not easy living with one's family. With so many cracks that make up a family, it is tough to find common ground. Yet, a family is the most refined of all human relationships. Mother, sister, brother, father, and you may make up a family. But what ties you all together is that invisible umbilical cord. the cord of love and sacrifice. It is cord that should never be cut as it is the cord that binds the family together".
"Families must stand together to build their children with love and peace, children do not need money they need love in the family and from both parents" he added.
According to one community member Moruti Tebogo Mohahi (62), unemployment and poverty are some of the causes of instability in many families. Mohapi said if something could be done to fight poverty in society many families would be safe. He further said the problem of instability in the families most of the time starts when parents are frustrated and they are not able to provide for their families, as that is when arguments start and they escalate.