COMMUNITIES URGED TO TAKE A STAND AGAINST CHILD ABUSE DURING CHILD PROTECTION MONTH

By Sipho Ncube

• ⁠Gauteng MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko urged communities to partner with government in protecting children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation during Child Protection Month.
• Multiple government departments and non-profit organisations converged at Kensington Darras Centre on 6 May 2026 to provide residents with direct access to social assistance, healthcare, identity documentation, employment support, and psychosocial services.
• The Department of Social Development (DSD) is rolling out awareness campaigns, community dialogues, and outreach programmes throughout May to educate communities about child abuse prevention and reporting mechanisms.

Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has called on communities across the province to work together with government in protecting children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation as South Africa commemorates Child Protection Month this May.

The MEC made the call during an Integrated Service Delivery Blitz held at the Kensington Darras Centre on 6 May 2026, where government departments and community stakeholders gathered to provide essential services directly to residents.

Child Protection Month is observed annually to raise awareness about children’s rights and to encourage all sectors of society to play an active role in safeguarding children from harm. Through the campaign, the Department of Social Development continues to promote prevention programmes, early intervention services, and stronger child protection systems.

Addressing community members during the outreach, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko stressed the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring children grow up in safe and nurturing environments.

“Children are the heartbeat of our nation, and it is our collective responsibility to protect their rights, prioritise their wellbeing, and enable their development. Let us stand united in creating safe and nurturing environments where every child can grow and thrive,” the MEC said.

The Integrated Service Delivery Blitz forms part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s ongoing efforts to bring services closer to communities, particularly in vulnerable areas. Residents were able to access a range of services, including social assistance, healthcare, identity documentation, employment support, and psychosocial services.

The initiative brought together several stakeholders, including the Departments of Labour and Employment, Home Affairs, Health, and Social Development; the South African Social Security Agency; the City of Johannesburg; and various non-profit organisations working in the child protection and social services sector.

Community members welcomed the programme and highlighted the positive impact of bringing services directly to the people. Joanne Collinge from the Kensington Community Association expressed appreciation for the outreach, noting that such programmes improve access to much-needed government services within communities.

As part of Child Protection Month activities, the Department continues to roll out awareness campaigns, community dialogues, and outreach programmes aimed at educating communities about child abuse prevention, reporting mechanisms, and the importance of creating safe spaces for children.

Members of the public are encouraged to report cases of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the relevant authorities, including the South African Police Service and the Department of Social Development.