CHILDREN LEAD THE CONVERSATION ON SEXUAL ABUSE AWARENESS IN KHAYELITSHA

As part of a broader child protection drive to address growing concerns around child sexual abuse — including the increasing threats posed by digital platforms — the National Department of Social Development (DSD), in partnership with the Western Cape DSD, hosted child-focused engagements in primary schools in Khayelitsha today.

The initiative aimed to raise awareness, educate, and empower learners through open dialogue. More importantly, it sought to create a safe space for children to speak, share, and lead conversations on issues directly affecting them.

During a briefing at the DSD offices in Khayelitsha, national and provincial officials aligned their objectives and reinforced a critical approach: let the children speak.

“The children must do the talking. We are here to listen, not lecture,” stressed Ms Nozipho Tshabalala, Social Work Manager — a sentiment that shaped the day’s discussions.

Two schools — Luleka Primary School and Kuyasa Primary School — were visited as part of the day’s programme, with 30 learners engaged in each session. Children between the ages of 12 and 13 participated in the interactive sessions.

At Luleka Primary, learners were introduced to the role of social workers and the significance of May as National Child Protection Month. Social worker Ms Pamela Mzandisi led the session, explaining in clear, age-appropriate terms what sexual abuse is, the different types of abuse, and how children can recognise the signs and symptoms — both in themselves and in their peers. Children were also guided on how to support a friend who might be going through abuse, stressing the importance of speaking out and seeking help.

At Kuyasa Primary, similar themes were explored, with strong emphasis on self-protection. Social workers used interactive methods to draw out children’s insights, fears, and suggestions for creating safer communities. The goal was not only to educate but also to empower children to be active protectors of their own rights.

Throughout both sessions, social workers reinforced a vital message: abuse must be reported. Many cases of child sexual abuse go unreported due to fear, shame, or lack of support. As part of an ongoing campaign, social workers are actively encouraging children to speak up, educating them on their rights, and providing tools to help them report abuse safely and confidently. Facilitators emphasised that telling a trusted adult — whether a parent, teacher, or social worker — is the first step in breaking the silence and getting help.

The sessions focused on key issues such as:

•⁠  ⁠Understanding children’s rights

•⁠  ⁠The dangers of online sexual exploitation

•⁠  ⁠Prevention measures and staying safe

•⁠  ⁠Recognising signs of abuse

•⁠  ⁠The community’s role in child protection

The discussions were candid and deeply personal. Children were encouraged to reflect on real-life scenarios — such as inappropriate jokes, body-shaming comments, or digital exploitation — and how to respond when something doesn’t feel right.

“Has your friend stopped laughing? Are they more withdrawn? Have they changed how they play or speak?” asked one facilitator, guiding the group to notice subtle warning signs of abuse among peers.

What emerged was a powerful moment of shared understanding and action.

“We deserve more as children,” said Yalatha, capturing the mood in the room.

Some learners expressed feelings of loneliness and invisibility.

“It’s like no one listens to us. We feel like we don’t belong,” one child said quietly.

Peer pressure also emerged as a major challenge, particularly when children are pressured into behaviours they are not comfortable with. But the children didn’t stop at identifying problems — they also offered solutions.

One learner said combating loneliness starts by “getting friends you trust… even parents. And AI can help too,” suggesting that technology might offer support where human systems sometimes fall short.

Mikhulu addressed the challenge of peer pressure, saying:

“Say NO to what you don’t want. And don’t be scared to say No!”

A facilitator remarked that the children’s voices reflected the very heart of the campaign — that when given space, children can speak for themselves, and they have something important to say.

The learners also proposed strong recommendations to end sexual abuse:

1 “We must stand up for ourselves, protest, and fight for justice. We must fight to end rape and all these horrible crimes happening to us!”

2 “I think we are not safe — we need some form of security or a bodyguard with us all the time.”

3 “Parents must be more supportive. Listen to us, believe us.”

They also stressed the importance of reporting abuse to multiple people, including the police — though many expressed mistrust in law enforcement and called for more compassionate, child-sensitive responses.

This engagement forms part of the Child Protection 365 Days Programme, a year-round national initiative aimed at ending violence against children. While May is officially observed as Child Protection Month, the programme’s activities continue throughout the year — raising awareness, educating communities, and addressing the complex social issues that impact children’s lives.

The initiative remains critical in a country where children face abuse, neglect, and exploitation not only at home and school but increasingly in digital environments.

At the official launch of Child Protection Month, the Minister of Social Development expressed the country’s deep concern over the alarming levels of violence against children. For the 2024/25 financial year, a total of 26,852 cases of child abuse and neglect were reported nationally. Sexual abuse remains the most prevalent form, with 9,859 cases reported across all provinces.

Ms Cynthia Nyoni, Deputy Director: Child Abuse & Neglect, noted that this awareness-raising initiative is a response to the high levels of child sexual abuse in five targeted provinces: the Free State, Western Cape, Limpopo, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.

“As DSD, we are leading the call to action and mobilising communities through these engagements to heighten a collective call to action and to create safe spaces for all to thrive under the theme ‘Working together in Ending Violence against Children.’”

She concluded by stressing the importance of turning the children’s reflections into meaningful action.

“The voices we heard today are a call to action. Our responsibility as adults, parents, professionals, and policymakers is to ensure that these children are heard, protected, believed, and empowered.”