Home›Government News›COMMUNITIES MOBILISE IN EDUMBE, KZN, AS CHILD PROTECTION BECOMES EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY

COMMUNITIES MOBILISE IN EDUMBE, KZN, AS CHILD PROTECTION BECOMES EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY

May 3, 2026

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By Nonhlakanipho Masola

The official launch of Child Protection Month 2026 in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, 3 May, delivered a single, clear message: it is everyone’s responsibility to protect the children of South Africa.
The event provided those attending with information on what to look out for and how to protect and help children in their homes and communities.
Nompilo Madlala (36), a mother of a two-year-old, highlighted the constant vigilance required in raising a child today, particularly when threats may come from people the child knows.

A strong sense of purpose and shared responsibility was evident at Prince Mangosuthu Sports Field in eDumbe Local Municipality, in the Zululand district of KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, 3 May, as communities gathered for the launch of Child Protection Month 2026.

While the event, led by the Department of Social Development, brought together government leaders, stakeholders, and service providers, the central message was clear: protecting children is not only the responsibility of the state; it is a duty that belongs to every individual, family, and community.

Throughout the day, community members actively engaged with the various presentations, asking questions, sharing experiences, and learning how to better protect children in their homes and surroundings.

For many, this responsibility hits close to home. Nompilo Madlala (36), a mother of a two-year-old from Bilanyoni, spoke about the constant vigilance required in raising a child today.

“It’s very scary to raise a child, especially a girl. You always feel like you have to protect them, and now it’s even worse because sometimes you have to protect them from people they know and trust,” she said.

Her concerns reflect a broader reality faced by many families, in which safety is not guaranteed, and awareness and action at the household level become the first line of defence.

Another community member, Buhle Nkosi Mangosuthu (22), said that attending the event gave her knowledge she did not have before. “I’m happy this is happening because I’ve learned a lot,” she said.

She shared how her family struggled to respond when her niece was violated at school.

“We didn’t know what to do until we took her to the hospital. That’s when social workers got involved, and now the case is with the police,” she explained.

Mangosuthu said the information shared at the event is critical in helping ordinary people understand their role.

“Now I know what to do and who to call. I will share this information with others at home because we all need to know how to act when something happens,” she said.

Her experience highlights a key issue – communities often want to take action, but lack the knowledge and guidance to respond effectively. Events like these aim to close that gap by equipping people with practical tools and information.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, reinforced the importance of community involvement, stressing that child protection cannot succeed without active participation from society.

“This work does not end with today’s launch. Communities must continue to work with the department and other stakeholders to ensure children are protected every day,” she said.

The launch took place against a concerning backdrop in KwaZulu-Natal. The province recorded 375 births among children aged 10–14, and more than 20,000 births among teenagers aged 15–19 — the highest figures in the country.

These statistics underline the urgency for communities to take a more active role in prevention, early intervention, and support.

As Child Protection Month continues, one message resonated across eDumbe: protecting children starts at home, is strengthened in communities, and succeeds when everyone plays their part.