Latest news with #NationalChildProtectionWeek
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Hot Cares brings hope to Door of Hope during National Child Protection Week
As South Africa marked National Child Protection Week from May 29 to June 5, HOT 102.7FM's Hot Cares team paid a heartfelt visit to Door of Hope Children's Mission in Johannesburg – a safe haven for abandoned and vulnerable babies. Door of Hope has rescued hundreds of infants since its founding, giving each child a name, a warm bed, and the chance for a better life. One of their most life-saving tools is the Baby Saver – a secure drop-off box built into the wall of their property that allows desperate mothers to leave their babies safely and anonymously. But now, the future of these boxes is under threat. Nadene Grabham, the passionate operations director of Door of Hope, is at the forefront of a national fight to keep the Baby Savers legal. 'This is not just a box,' said Nadene. 'It's a lifeline. If these are taken away, we are taking away a safe option for women in crisis – and for babies, a chance to live.' Together with Baby Savers South Africa (BSSA) – a coalition of over 30 organisations led by Dr Whitney Rosenberg and Nadene herself – Door of Hope is working hard to protect and promote the Baby Saver movement. What began 25 years ago as one box outside a Johannesburg church has grown into a nationwide effort to prevent babies from being abandoned in dangerous places like toilets, rubbish dumps, or storm drains. Hot Cares steps in Moved by Door of Hope's work and the urgency of the situation, Hot Cares stepped in with vital support. Thanks to the generosity of HOT 102.7 listeners, they donated essential supplies, including nappies, formula, cleaning products, and toiletries. 'Every donation means one less worry for us,' said Nadene. 'It means we can focus on giving our babies what they need to thrive.' Hot Cares also brought educational toys, a saucer swing for children with special needs, and a paediatric weighing scale to help staff assess the health of abandoned babies as soon as they arrive. 'These aren't just extras,' Nadene explained. 'They are essentials for the growth, comfort, and development of our children.' Tara Penny, HOT 102.7's head of news, added: 'Hot Cares believes this isn't just a box – it's a last resort, a lifeline, and a chance at life. That's why we've stepped in to help.' Door of Hope extended heartfelt thanks to Hot Cares and the listeners who made the donation possible. 'We are so grateful,' said Nadene. 'These acts of kindness mean the world to us and to the children. Your support helps us keep going.' A lifelong promise Door of Hope's work doesn't end with rescuing babies. Many children who are not adopted remain in the sanctuary's care for years. The team provides not only shelter, but also food, clothing, education, medical support, and – above all – love. 'This is not short-term work. It's a long-term promise to every child who comes through our door,' emphasised Nadene. As South Africa continues to face the tragic reality of child abandonment, the Baby Saver stands as a beacon of hope. And with the help of organisations like Hot Cares – and the public who support them – Door of Hope can continue to open its doors, and its heart, to every child in need. For more information or to donate, visit their website at At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Daily Maverick
09-06-2025
- Daily Maverick
Western Cape father jailed for raping his children, selling pornographic images of them
The man – who faced 629 counts of possession of child porn – said in his plea explanation that he 'decided to create child pornography for financial gain, as the conversion rate at the time was $18 to the rand'. A 27-year-old Cape Town father who shared child pornographic images and videos of his biological minor children and sold an unknown number of them to unknown users for between $5 and $10, has been handed 35 years' direct imprisonment for digital trafficking in persons and the rape of his minor children. His name will also be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders and the National Child Protection Register. The father was convicted of two counts of trafficking in persons for online exploitation, four counts of rape of two minor children, three counts of using children for or benefiting from child pornography, 629 counts of possession of child pornography, three counts of unlawful and intentional distribution of child pornography and three counts of child abuse. He was sentenced to a total of 195 years but the court ordered most of the sentences to run concurrently. On Monday, 9 June, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Western Cape spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the court ordered the father to serve two-thirds of his sentence before he can be eligible for parole. The State did not name the accused because his children are minors – two girls aged six and four years and a one-year-old son. The sentence handed to the disgraced father in the Paarl Regional Court comes just days after National Child Protection Week, during which Daily Maverick ran a series of articles that painted a grim picture of the crimes committed against helpless children. While the number of reported sexual offences committed against children in South Africa dropped by 1,542 between 2021/22 and 2023/24, from 23,379 to 21,837, Luke Lamprecht, head of advocacy at the Gauteng nonprofit Women and Men Against Child Abuse, noted that in cases such as sexual violence against children, the number of incidents reported to police was a fraction of those shown to be occurring through research. For 'financial gain' According to Ntabazalila, the State and the accused reached a plea and sentencing agreement to protect the children from secondary victimisation. In his plea explanation, the father indicated that he married the mother of his children on 4 March 2018, and at one stage he was unemployed and stayed home to take care of the minor children. 'I subscribed to a social media application with instant messaging, where one can transmit and receive messages, photos and videos. Users can communicate privately with other users or in groups,' he stated. 'The social media platform users can send photographs taken within the application, which indicates to other users that a picture was taken in real time and not imported from a camera roll.' He went on to explain: 'I decided to create child pornography for financial gain, as the conversion rate at the time was $18 to the rand. I connected with the group after the administrative user approved my access to the group, and I started to communicate with the administrative user. 'I admitted that I started making child pornographic content of my biological children that I intended to share with random people online in exchange for a monetary reward.' The father claims to have made an unknown number of child pornography images and videos depicting his three children. 'I confessed that in the chats with the administrative user, I shared child pornographic images and videos of his biological minor children and sold an unknown amount of child pornography to unknown users for $5 to $10,' the court heard. The father was arrested after an undercover Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officer assigned to the Washington Field Office as part of the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force posed as the administrative user of the group and forwarded information about his activities to the South African Police Service for further investigation on 22 December 2022. The accused was arrested on 30 May 2023 and police seized his cellphone, which he used to commit the crimes. State advocate Evadne Kortje, who finalised the plea and sentencing agreement, said the accused contributed to the sexualisation of children, whose innocence should have been protected and preserved at all costs. 'He communicated and joined the social media application to connect with individuals interested in child pornography. He downloaded child pornography from other unknown collectors and other hands-on child sexual abuse offenders. He abused his parental privilege and the trust relationship that he had towards his three small children,' Kortje said. Advocate Nicolette Bell, the Western Cape director of public prosecutions, commended the sentence and emphasised the need to make every day a child protection day to protect the most vulnerable members of society. The fight against the scourge of sexual violence, particularly against minors, and internet trafficking in children, must be condemned in the strongest possible terms, she said, adding that the NPA has dedicated prosecutors who deal with these crimes. She commended the collaborative working relationship between international law enforcement agencies and the SAPS, the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit and the Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation Unit. DM
The Citizen
08-06-2025
- The Citizen
Gauteng takes the lead in child welfare through certified care facilities
Gauteng takes the lead in child welfare through certified care facilities Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Social Development in Gauteng, Faith Mazibuko, has taken a stance against child abuse during National Child Protection Week. In a society where children continue to bear the brunt of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment, Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs) stand as crucial sanctuaries of hope and healing. These centres are more than just shelters; they are structured, rehabilitative spaces where the rights, dignity, and potential of every child are protected and nurtured. In Gauteng, the Department of Social Development plays a crucial role in ensuring that these facilities not only exist but also deliver quality care in line with the Children's Act 38 of 2005. The Act defines CYCCs as facilities providing residential care to more than six children outside their family environment, using tailored programmes to meet individual needs. This umbrella includes children's homes, temporary safe care reform schools, schools of industries and secure care. While the environments may differ, the goal remains the same: to protect and rebuild lives. A home for the voiceless Children placed in CYCCs are not there by chance. These are children who have endured unimaginable circumstances, abandonment, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or trauma and those who may conflict with the law. 'Some come from families that can no longer control destructive behaviour; others are victims of substance abuse, trafficking, or domestic violence. 'Whatever the reason, these centres are a last line of defence to prevent a life derailed from turning into a life destroyed,' said Mazibuko. 'Every placement is done through a court order to safeguard the child's rights and ensure due process. 'Importantly, only registered CYCCs are legally permitted to accommodate children, another safeguard that speaks to the Department of Social Development's commitment to protecting children from further harm.' Gauteng's approach In Gauteng, the DSD not only facilitates placement into CYCCs, but also accredits, governs, supports, and monitors these facilities to ensure that children receive comprehensive services. 'The department requires rigorous registration processes that include various municipal compliance permits, health inspections, staff credentials, food safety, emergency preparedness, and clearly outlined developmental and therapeutic programmes,' said Mazibuko. 'Once inside a CYCC, children receive far more than a roof over their heads. 'The department ensures that every registered CYCC offers structured therapeutic, recreational, and developmental programmes. 'From trauma counselling and play therapy to life skills training, substance abuse prevention, and even pottery or beadwork, these activities are designed to rebuild trust, confidence, and a sense of self-worth,' said the MEC. One of the most commendable features of Gauteng's CYCC programmes is the focus on independent living programmes, particularly for older children transitioning out of care. Preparing them to re-enter society with practical skills, emotional resilience, and social competence speaks volumes about the department's long-term commitment to these young people. 'Recreational and educational programmes, like sports, drama, Indigenous games, and victim empowerment sessions, contribute to holistic development. 'These aren't luxuries; they are critical in restoring a sense of normalcy, purpose, and joy in the lives of children who have known very little of it,' said Mazibuko. The Department of Social Development's role doesn't end at registration or programme design. It remains a constant presence, providing oversight, offering support, and ensuring that every CYCC operates with integrity and compliance. 'Contact points across all regions in Gauteng emphasise the Department's accessibility and willingness to respond to community and professional queries alike,' said Mazibuko. Call to action The Gauteng Department of Social Development maintains a database of 150 accredited CYCCs, of which 141 are NPO-run and nine are Government-run. In some CYCCs, the department subsidises administration, social work and child and youth care posts. 'The existence and effectiveness of CYCCs should not be the sole concern of government Departments or Social Workers, it is a societal responsibility. 'Communities, civil society organisations, and even individuals have a role to play in reporting suspected abuse, advocating for children's rights, supporting CYCC initiatives and reporting unregistered centres,' said Mazibuko. 'As South Africa continues to grapple with high rates of child abuse and neglect, CYCCs are an indispensable component of the national child protection strategy. They are not just buildings; they are bridges. Bridges to safety, healing, and a better future. 'Let us recognise and support the life-changing work happening in CYCCs across Gauteng and ensure that every child, regardless of their past, has a chance at a dignified, hopeful future. 'As we observe Child Protection Month and Week, let us also take a moment to appreciate the work done at these centres in the care and protection of children,' said Mazibuko. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
07-06-2025
- The Citizen
Wedela SAPS educates learners on child safety during National Child Protection Week
In commemoration of National Child Protection Week, observed from May 29 to June 5, members of the Wedela SAPS extended their support and educational efforts to local schoolchildren. The initiative was led by Sergeant Zikhona Sifuba, Social Crime Prevention Officer, who was accompanied by Sergeant Matsietsi from the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. The team visited Wedela Primary School, where they engaged with learners from Grades 1 to 3, delivering vital information on child safety and abuse prevention. They were joined by dedicated staff from Wedela's Victim Friendly Room (VFR): Hazel Nyembezi, Dimpho Lehoko, Thato Mogole, Athandile Sihlwayi, Tsogo Seleke, and Lubabalo Peyi. 'The purpose of the visit was to talk to the learners about child abuse and how they should protect themselves,' said Sgt. Sifuba. 'Most importantly, they must know they can report such cases, even if it's their uncle, father, brother, or neighbour who is touching them in a way they don't like.' The outreach impacted 244 learners, with the team encouraging them to speak to their teachers or ask for help in contacting the police if they felt unsafe or experienced any form of abuse. The session empowered children with the knowledge that their voices matter and that help is always available. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to promote awareness and ensure the safety and well-being of all children in the community. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
06-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Children's rights and how to spot abuse
Children's rights and how to spot abuse As National Child Protection Week drew to a close on June 5, parents are urged to educate their children about their rights. National Child Protection Week is commemorated from May 29 to June 5. This year's theme was 'Working together in ending violence against children'. The week serves to raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Constitution and the Children's Act (Act No. 38 of 2005). Under the act, each South African child is entitled to: – A name and nationality. – Family care or appropriate alternative care. – Basic nutrition, shelter, healthcare and social services. – Protection from neglect, maltreatment and abuse. – Protection from exploitative labour services, including work or services that are inappropriate. – Protection from being used in armed conflict and protection during times of armed conflict. Tshwane District Health Social Worker Agnes Mathebula says there are various signs of physical and emotional abuse that parents can look out for should they occur. 'We identify signs of abuse either physically or through looking at the behaviour of the child. Physically, you'll see things like bruises, fractures, cigarette burns and things like that, those aren't too difficult to identify. But the emotional abuse can be difficult to spot,' Mathebula says. Behavioural indicators may include fear of parents, alterations in behaviour, withdrawn or aggressive tendencies or academic difficulties. The Department of Social Development has a pilot 24-hour call centre dedicated to providing support and counselling to victims of gender-based violence: The toll-free number to call is 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV) to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling. Callers can also request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cellphone. You can also get help at: Childline South Africa: 116 Child Welfare South Africa: 0861 4 CHILD (24453), 011 452-4110 or e-mail: info@ ALSO READ: Your ultimate weekend plans in Pretoria Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
