CHILDREN DEMAND STRICTER LAWS FOR THOSE WHO VIOLATE THEM

By Teddy Gomba and Madali Chibambu

• Gauteng’s children marched from Pieter Roos Park in Parktown to the Constitutional Court to make sure their voices are heard by the country’s justice system.
• The event allowed the youngsters to share their safety concerns with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, South Africa’s Chief Justice, and the Gauteng Social Development MEC.
• The children raised concerns over delays in sexual offense cases due to backlogs in DNA testing, low conviction rates and lenient sentences for sexual crimes.

“Would you allow this to happen to your child?” and “Don’t block your ears; hear us out!” were the powerful messages echoed during a children’s march hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development in collaboration with child protection groups.

The event provided a platform for children to express their safety concerns directly to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, South Africa’s Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, and the Gauteng Social Development MEC Faith Mazibuko on Sunday, 1 June 2025.

The march took place as South Africa observed Child Protection Awareness Month, and the world marked International Children’s Day.

It began at Pieter Roos Park in Parktown, on the outskirts of Hillbrow, and proceeded to the Constitutional Court, where the children shared their concerns with Minister Kubayi and representatives from the Office of the Chief Justice.

The children raised urgent concerns about sexual offense cases that are repeatedly delayed due to backlogs in DNA testing, disrupting their education and prolonging trauma.

They also voiced dissatisfaction with the low conviction rates and lenient sentencing for sexual crimes.

A child from the Othandweni Children’s Orphanage Home in Soweto appealed for equal treatment: “Children in orphanages deserve the same respect and protection as others. It’s not our fault we lost our parents — we still deserve safety and dignity.”

Participants also criticised the justice system for granting bail too easily to individuals accused of child abuse and sexual offenses.

Responding to their concerns, Minister Kubayi said she is reviewing the Criminal Procedure Act to strengthen bail conditions.

“Magistrates and judges must operate within the law, which is why we’re working on legal reforms,” she said.

She also revealed that, alongside Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, her department is closely monitoring sexual offense cases and tracking conviction rates through National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure.

Kubayi gave her assurance that efforts are underway to strengthen the justice system, improve sentencing outcomes, and tighten bail conditions.

She also addressed the alarming issue of child trafficking. “We need to unite as a community to end the growing trend of mothers selling their children.”

MEC Mazibuko said the event was organised to give children a voice and ensure their concerns reach the highest levels of justice leadership.

She stressed the need to fast-track cases to avoid forcing children to endure prolonged court appearances, missed school days, and secondary victimisation due to delays, lost documents, and outstanding DNA results.

“In some cases, children face secondary victimisation,” she said.