BUILDING A UNITED FRONT TO PROTECT CHILDREN IN EDUMBE

Nonhlakanipho Masola

• Community, cultural and faith leaders unite to strengthen child protection efforts ahead of Child Protection Month.
• Stakeholders call for formal recognition and training to support justice processes involving children.
• Engagement prioritises prevention, early intervention, and community-driven awareness on child safety risks.

As preparations for the upcoming Child Protection Month launch gain momentum, the Department of Social Development has taken a deliberate step to build inclusive, community-led responses to safeguard children. In eDumbe, located in the Zululand District of KwaZulu-Natal, the Department convened a strategic engagement with traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, and traditional healers—recognising their critical influence in shaping societal norms and protecting vulnerable children.

Far from being a routine consultation, the session represented a meaningful convergence of voices that play a pivotal role in community life. It underscored a shared commitment to child protection, while affirming the importance of cultural practices and indigenous knowledge systems in addressing social challenges.

The session reflected a deep respect for cultural practices and their role in society. Among those present were Onomehlo, respected women involved in ukuhlolwa kwezintombi, whose participation highlighted the importance of including cultural stakeholders in conversations about child protection.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Ms Ntombifuthi Sithole from eDumbe called for stronger collaboration with church leaders and amakhosi. She also appealed to the Department for training and formal recognition.

“We need to be recognised and empowered so that we can stand in court and serve as credible witnesses in matters affecting children,” she said, underscoring the potential role of community-based structures in supporting justice processes.

Traditional healers also used the platform to address long-standing misconceptions about their work. Representing the sector, Mr Bhekizenzo Mhlanga from eDumbe challenged prevailing stereotypes and positioned negative traditional healers as allies rather than adversaries.

“People often see traditional healers as a bad thing, but we are here to help and protect our communities,” he explained. He highlighted the existence of recognised councils that register and train healers to provide ethical, legitimate services.

Mr Mhlanga stressed that these structures can help communities distinguish between genuine practitioners and those who exploit vulnerable people under the guise of healing.

He called for stronger collaboration across all sectors of society, emphasising that effective child protection requires unity, trust, and shared accountability.

The engagement also addressed pressing, real-world challenges affecting children. Discussions focused on preventing statutory rape through education and awareness, enhancing early detection and rapid response mechanisms, and strengthening long-term psychosocial support systems.

Leaders further explored strategies to intensify prevention campaigns in schools and communities, focusing on raising awareness of grooming, online safety, and age-of-consent laws.

At the heart of the discussions was a clear message: child protection cannot be achieved in isolation. Traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, and healers all play a critical role in shaping behaviour, guiding families, and safeguarding children.

The engagement in eDumbe sends a powerful and timely message ahead of Child Protection Month that safeguarding children is a collective effort. By bringing together cultural, spiritual, and institutional voices, communities can build safer environments where children are protected, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.