Latest news with #ChildProtectionWeek
Daily Maverick
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Maverick
Amid a mental health crisis, every single one of us in SA is responsible for our young people
It is my opinion that South Africa is going through a mental health depression as a result of our state institutional failures and our runaway inequality, which is causing poverty and in turn fuels violence and inevitably crime. In fact, the Mental State of the World in 2023 report, having surveyed 71 countries, placed South Africa among the bottom three countries along with Uzbekistan and the UK in respect of mental wellbeing. The report went on to highlight that people under 35 had the biggest drop in wellbeing. Interestingly, some of the factors named as contributing to the decline in mental health are the introduction of smartphones at a young age, the consumption of ultra-processed foods and weakened connections with family and friends. Youth Day, celebrated on 16 June, often makes me wonder how genuine our commitment to investing in our young people is. Can we really claim to be harnessing the human potential they represent with due care when a lack of educational reform, social stability and employment opportunities are creating a mental health crisis that has been flagged for years? The youth of 1976, who are now in their fifties and sixties, have had to navigate post-traumatic stress disorder from the violence of the time, and also from the disillusionment of present-day South Africa. Coming out of Child Protection Week, during which violence against children was highlighted by both statistics and stories of how this violence takes hold and is perpetuated, the urgency for intervention has never been clearer. There have been many calls for young people to be centred more in policymaking, yet 45% of them are still not employed, nor are they in educational or training institutions. Afrika Tikkun, a youth development civil society organisation, has found through its youth intervention programmes that prolonged unemployment is leading to rising cases of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, unplanned pregnancies and even suicidal ideation among young people. During Mental Health Awareness Week last month, Sello Moloi, Afrika Tikkun's delivery lead for work readiness, said: 'The government can play a leading role by expanding access to mental health services at community level and by embedding mental health education into schools. 'Corporates should take bold steps to invest in youth development, not only through job creation, but also by funding holistic support services, including mental health. Internships and learnerships should include structured psychosocial support, mentorship and safe spaces for reflection and wellbeing.' This integrated approach acknowledges that responsibility for our young people belongs to us all. The best marker of 16 June this year and into the future can only be to earnestly take action in respect of the many solutions that have been proposed by various organisations based on existing empirical data. The evidence is here. We come face-to-face with it daily as both disenchanted and still hopeful young people do the best they can to survive in circumstances in which even we as adults are struggling. DM
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- The Citizen
Child protection week: Learn how to report child abuse in Gauteng
As SA marked Child Protection Week (May 29 to June 5), the Child Guardian Unit (CGU) celebrated its first anniversary by intensifying efforts to protect children and raise awareness about their rights. The event brought together teachers, NPOs, social workers, legal professionals, police officers and the community. 'We've decided to mark our anniversary every year during Child Protection Week because it's a crucial time to shine a light on children's safety. 'Many are vaguely aware of it but don't fully understand what it means, where it fits, or how they can get involved,' said Delani Hollhumer, the co-founder of the CGU. ALSO READ: Child Protection Week 2025: It's in our hands to safeguard children's rights Hollhumer emphasised the importance of Child Protection Week, stressing that children need to understand their rights. They need to know they have a voice and, more importantly, that they are not alone. Hollhumer added that the week offered a platform for critical conversations. 'We're trying to raise awareness not just among children but among adults, too, parents, family members, community members, so they speak up when something isn't right. We can never have enough hard conversations about child protection. 'The statistics are grim, but the rise in reporting also shows more people are speaking out,' she added. ALSO READ: Bedfordview Police highlight child protection week The CGU was founded almost by accident, Delani recalls, after she met Janine Dalgleish at the Bedfordview police station. Janine had brought in a teenager in crisis, and the two began talking about gaps in the system. 'She asked me, 'Where do we go? Who do we report to?' and I said, 'I honestly don't know.' That was the start,' said Delani. Together with local stakeholders, the Bedfordview SAPS, the Department of Social Development and community members, they began creating a network of support and reporting channels for children in crisis. 'One of the biggest challenges was that people simply didn't know where to go to report abuse or neglect. That's where we come in. We help guide people to the right organisations,' she explained. Looking back on the first year, Delani said there's a lot to be proud of but also much more to do. 'Networking has been vital. It's not just about departments, it's about community organisations, NPOs and individuals working together.' She added, 'Ninety per cent of my day is spent on the phone with people I've never even met. So having events like this – celebrations that double as networking opportunities – is priceless.' Despite dealing with heartbreaking cases, the CGU staff celebrate small victories. ALSO READ: Child Protection Week: A call to end violence against children 'We ask ourselves each day: What was our small win today? It could be a successful report or finally getting help for a child after months of trying,' said Delani. 'We know these are long processes, and we focus on reaching that end goal – safety and justice for the child.' She urged the community to be vigilant. 'If something feels off, a child looks neglected or something just doesn't sit right, report it. People often don't know where to go and feel intimidated, but don't stop. 'If it's serious and you're unsure, keep trying until you find someone who can help. And yes, you can contact us.' The CGU, though based in Bedfordview, Edenvale, and Primrose, supports cases as far as Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, and Mpumalanga. 'People reach out and we walk them through the steps. Our network grows each year,' she said. The organisation has just launched its website, and she encourages the public to visit to learn more or get involved. 'We've launched the CGU Ambassadors – businesses and individuals who offer their expertise. Maybe someone owns a stationery company and can help with printing. Maybe an attorney wants to offer pro bono advice. Every little bit helps.' ALSO READ: Gauteng leads child protection efforts with accredited care centres They've also introduced Safer Adults, carefully screened and trained volunteers, and plan to launch a new initiative called CGU Mommies. 'We're working with hospitals so volunteers can provide love and care to abandoned babies. It's about being there in those critical early days. Nothing is too big or too small. 'Maybe someone wants to host a children's party or help with the next event. Whatever it is, we're open to collaborating.' Arlene Zlotnick, representing the Impilo Foundation, echoed the urgency of raising awareness about protecting children, 'Children are our future. 'At Impilo, we say children are born to be. Every child deserves the chance to grow into who they were meant to be, even those abandoned at birth.' She called attention to the country's crises, including GBV and teenage pregnancy. 'We're not doing enough. One of those abandoned children could be the next president or the person who finds a cure for cancer. But they have no voice; we must speak for them.' Arlene also raised concerns about the rising risks linked to technology. 'Online grooming and sextortion are serious threats. Children are being coerced into sending explicit photos and then blackmailed. It's a massive crisis.' Both organisations emphasised that Child Protection Week is not a once-off campaign but a reminder of work that continues year-round. ALSO READ: Edenvale police focus on child safety during Youth Month The event on May 29 also celebrated the stakeholders who have helped the organisation make a difference, including the Primrose SAPS. They received a champion award. 'The first time I worked with them was with a Grade One child I came into contact with. They assisted me with all the legal matters around working with children because it's not that we are uneducated at the police station, but there's a lot of information we don't have,' explained a Primrose SAPS representative. 'They've assisted me many times, and I've assisted them many times as well. If they have a query about a child, we do welfare checks. I've done welfare checks outside my area. 'The biggest challenge we face is widespread child abuse, often in poverty-bound households where frustrated parents take it out on their children or, in some cases, sell them for sex,' they added. Hollhumer stressed the importance of collaboration beyond the evening's dialogue. She said the organisation is big on networking and calls on other NPOs and groups doing similar work to join them. While the unit has made great strides in securing legal support for children in crisis, they are now expanding their focus. 'We've worked incredibly hard to secure assistance from legal teams. We're now focusing on medical and mental health support. If there are counsellors or psychologists who want to assist, we would greatly appreciate it.' The event at the Italian Club was made possible by many sponsors, including Efficient Engineering. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Daily Maverick
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Protecting our children: A call to honour our commitment to future generations
In May each year, South Africa pauses to reflect on one of its most urgent responsibilities: protecting its children. While many countries mark a day or a week focused on children's rights, South Africa is among the few with a dedicated Child Protection Month — a national effort that signals deep political and moral commitment. That commitment is rooted in the legacy of former president Nelson Mandela, whose words continue to echo: 'There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.' The 16th of June 2025, commemorated as Youth Day in this country, and the Day of the African Child continentally, will mark 30 years since South Africa ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Adopted in 1989, the convention is the most ratified human rights treaty in the world and was the first international human rights treaty ratified by South Africa under its new democratic government. And yet, despite this legacy, thousands of children in South Africa continue to face violence, exploitation and neglect. Child Protection Month is not simply a calendar event — it is a national moment to ask whether we are living up to the promise made to the children of this country. The numbers tell a grim story According to the Child Series Volume III Reported Crime Against Children by Statistics South Africa, that promise remains unfulfilled, with rape, assault and child abuse routinely high in the list of crimes reported against children. In the 2022/23 period alone, 64,533 children were victims of crime in South Africa, and each day three children are killed, 28 children are violently attacked, and 58 children are sexually violated. While the president has rightfully declared gender-based violence a pandemic, it is worth noting that child victims account for nearly 40% of the more than 21,000 sexual offences reported in South Africa in 2022/23. This is a staggering proportion, considering that children make up just over a third of the population. Given the high levels of violence against children in South Africa, it is unsurprising that this same violence resurfaces a generation later as the legacy of trauma perpetuates more harm. Both global and national data tell us that girls exposed to violence are more likely to be victims of inter-personal violence, and similarly, boys exposed to violence are more likely to become perpetuators of violence. Child Protection Week is an opportunity to amplify calls for this cycle of violence to stop. Government has responded but systemic barriers persist In recent months the government, led by the departments of Social Development and Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, has escalated its response by establishing a dedicated gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) Priority Committee within the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints). Through a 90-day acceleration programme to address GBVF, national departments have committed to fast-track the implementation of prevention and response services across all nine provinces. The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) views this as a critical step in the right direction. But as the statistics show, these strong commitments need to translate into sustained, systemic change that lasts well beyond the allotted 90 days. Knowing how much is actually spent on preventing and responding to violence against children is a persistent issue, as budgeting for child protection is scattered across departments and seldom tracked. Moreover, at district and municipal levels — where services are closest to families — violence prevention is still not prioritised in integrated development plans. On the ground, many social workers are overstretched and tasked with statutory child removal cases, with little capacity for preventive or restorative interventions. Crucially, children themselves remain excluded from decision-making processes that directly affect their safety and dignity. From crisis to commitment To achieve the promise of safety and care for every child, Unicef proposes three urgent policy actions: Establish a dedicated public budget line for violence prevention across national and provincial departments, with regular public reporting on expenditure specific to children. Mandate the integration of child protection as a priority — including violence prevention — into district and municipal integrated development plans, with performance targets and ringfenced funding. Institutionalise child participation in policy development, programme design, and monitoring — in particular within the National Strategic Plan for GBVF — to ensure that children's realities and voices shape the systems meant to protect them. We know that violence against children is both preventable and necessary for the fostering of a healthy, happy society. Effective prevention requires moving beyond short-term responses to a focus on innovation, stronger coordination and meaningful systemic change. If South Africa is to fully honour its commitment to children — as enshrined in its globally admired Constitution and in the vision of a post-apartheid, democratic society — then we must go beyond the talk. Child Protection Month must leave a tangible legacy – a shift from crisis response to systemic prevention, lives safeguarded, futures restored and children truly heard. DM
The Citizen
08-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Child Protection Week 2025: Stand up for children, speak out for their rights
Child Protection Week 2025: Stand up for children, speak out for their rights Child Protection Week is an annual campaign in South Africa aimed at raising awareness about the rights of children and the importance of protecting them from abuse, neglect, violence, and exploitation. It is a time to promote collective responsibility for the safety and well-being of every child. While the week helps focus national attention, child protection must be a daily commitment. Children face risks throughout the year, and safeguarding their rights requires ongoing vigilance, education, and action from individuals, families, communities, and institutions. Ongoing efforts are essential to break cycles of abuse and create a safer, more supportive society for future generations. Here is how you can get it: Know the law and your duty South Africa's Constitution and the Children's Act (Act No. 38 of 2005) place a legal and moral obligation on every adult to protect children. Understanding Article 28 of the Constitution, which guarantees every child the right to protection from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation, is the first step towards meaningful action. Be the eyes and ears If you witness or suspect abuse, don't stay silent. Reporting abuse can save lives. Know the signs of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. Children may not always speak out, but their behaviour often does. Empower children with knowledge Teach children about their rights in age-appropriate ways. Equip them with the tools to speak up and seek help if they feel unsafe at home, at school, or online. Trusted adults, teachers and caregivers must create safe spaces for these conversations. Support child-focused organisations Donate, volunteer, or partner with NGOs and community organisations working in child protection. Their work is vital and often under-resourced. Use your skills, time or platforms to make a difference. Keep an eye on digital dangers Online grooming, bullying, and exploitation are increasing threats. Monitor children's online activities, activate parental controls, and have open conversations about internet safety. Make child safety everyone's business Encourage schools, religious institutions, sports clubs, and community groups to observe Child Protection Week. Hosting workshops, poster drives, or awareness talks can amplify the message that every child matters. Break the silence on abuse Stigma and silence perpetuate abuse. Survivors and allies must be supported to speak out. Share real stories (with consent) during Child Protection Week to shine a light on both the pain and the hope of recovery. Challenge harmful norms Cultural practices or social beliefs should never justify child abuse. Take a stand against harmful traditions, bullying, and gender-based violence in all its forms. Lead by example Children watch what we do more than what we say. Show respect, kindness and non-violence in your own actions, whether as a parent, neighbour or community leader. Save these vital numbers: Keep these helplines easily accessible and share them in your networks: • Department of Social Development (24/7 GBV Command Centre): 0800 428 428 (Toll-free) • Dial *120*7867# (free from any mobile phone) to request a call-back • Childline South Africa: 116 • Child Welfare South Africa: 0861 4 CHILD (24453) / 011 452-4110 • Email: info@ This year's theme echoes a vital truth: 'It's in our hands to stop the cycle'. Let's build a society where children are protected, nurtured, and given the chance to thrive, not just during Child Protection Week, but every day. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
06-06-2025
- The Citizen
A VIEW OF THE WEEK: We need a ceasefire in the war on children
You were once a child, but must now be a responsible adult. The theme for this year's Child Protection Week is 'working together in ending violence against children', but South Africa only came together in outrage. Child Protection Week started on 29 May and ended on Thursday, but it felt like it never really started. The intended focus on children's rights, safety, and community involvement was all overshadowed by mourning. As soon as the week began, police announced the gruesome discovery of the body of a child suspected to be that of two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba, who went missing last November. The toddler's mother and a sangoma have both been arrested in connection with the death and face charges of murder and human trafficking. A few days later, 14-year-old Likhona Fose's mutilated body was found in an empty field in Roodeport, Gauteng. Police believe Fose was either targeted for her sexuality, making it a hate crime, or her body parts were mutilated for muthi purposes. Not far from that scene, just two days later, a young boy was shot, allegedly through the head and throat, in Westbury. The community claimed it took several hours for paramedics or police to attend to the incident. Children at risk These were just three incidents that grabbed the headlines in the seven days that Child Protection Week is commemorated. Nevermind other murders that may not have been reported, or the bullying, abuse and neglect that is a daily hell for children. Statistics show that around 1 288 children die in road accidents every year, more than 20 died of food-borne diseases in 2024, and around 140 children are known to be missing. Thousands go to school hungry each day, while thousands more do not even attend school. The problem is not only a rural one, with a recent General Household Survey finding that across SA's major urban metros, 578 000 households with children live on less than R2 500 a month. It also found that around 10% of children with special needs do not attend school, with more than 1 in 3 missing school in Mangaung and eThekwini. The government is assisting, with 54% of children attending school for free and 51% receiving social grants. ALSO READ: A VIEW OF THE WEEK: What were you doing at 11? Not setting fire to a school, I hope Who will protect our kids? While children's rights are enshrined in the constitution, they are too often ignored. If it takes a village to raise a child, it should be that village's responsibility to hold each other to account. There should never be abuse disguised as discipline or bullying masquerading as jokes. Children should never be neglected for convenience or left behind because they are scared to have a voice. School transport owners should not put profit before lives by cramming children on overcrowded and unroadworthy transport. It should not be that children should walk among crime hotspots to get to school, or find the school itself a hotbed of criminality. Parents, teachers, caregivers, community leaders, and children themselves should be taught the signs of abuse and recognise them when displayed. During Child Protection Week, and beyond, we must remember that we were all once children in need of help. We owe it to the rising generation to keep them safe and give them a chance in life we may have never got. NOW READ: A VIEW OF THE WEEK: It's a warzone and we are not prepared
