CHILD PROTECTION MONTH: “WORKING TOGETHER TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN”

By Relebohile Ramabitsa

• ⁠The minister of social development, Sisisi Tolashe, launched the 2025 Child Protection Campaign in Thaba Nchu, Free State, on 11 May 2025.
• The event, held at the Refentse Primary School, aims to raise awareness and encourage everyone to act against child abuse.
• Thaba Nchu is a town that has to deal with a high number of cases of child abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and exploitation, with 26 000 reported during 2024/25.

The minister of social development Sisisi Tolashe officially launched Child Protection Month in Thaba Nchu, Free State, on 11 May 2025 under the theme “Working Together in Ending Violence Against Children”.

The theme is part of a five-year global commitment to ending violence against children by 2030.

The event at the Refentse Primary school in Thaba Nchu aims to raise awareness and empower children, parents, and the local community to take action against child abuse.

Although May is Child Protection Month, the Department of Social Development is focused on its 365 days child protection programme of action for the prevention and management of violence against children.

Child Protection Month sees concerted efforts across the country to address the social ills affecting children.

Thaba Nchu, 65km east of Bloemfontein, is a region plagued by high rates of child sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation, with 26 000 cases reported in the 2024/25 period.

In response, the Department of Social Development organised the event in Thaba Nchu to provide education and information that will help protect children from risk factors and build their resilience.

The focus of the event is on targeted interventions that address the social ills impacting the lives of children in the area.

At the opening event, Jafta Matu, the director for children and families in the Free State Department of Social Development, emphasised the importance of discussing sensitive issues.

“We are here to talk about child abuse, sexual abuse, and to educate you on what to do if you are abused at home, at school, or by your neighbours.

“You will also have the opportunity to share your experiences with us. Our leaders are here to listen to your stories and concerns about the forms of abuse that affect your daily lives,” she said.

Matu urged the children to speak freely and openly about their experiences: “Please do not hide anything, because if you do, the abuse will continue.”

Minister Tolashe, the Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, the Free State MEC for social development Mathabo Leeto, speaker of the legislature Moxlisi Dukwana, the provincial council’s chief whip Thabo Meeko, and the Kwa-Zulu Natal Provincial Department’s MEC for Social Development, Cynthia Mbali Shinga, will also address the event.