“IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD,” SAY LIMPOPO PARENTS AT COMMUNITY DIALOGUE

By Justice Malapane

• ⁠Parents from Mohlabaneng and Jamela villages in Tzaneen, Limpopo, have called for a return to shared community responsibility in raising and protecting children.
• Speaking during Child Protection Month dialogues hosted by the Department of Social Development, participants stressed that government alone cannot instil discipline or safeguard children without active involvement from families and communities.
• The sessions were a powerful reminder that rebuilding collective care structures is essential to ending violence against children.

Tzaneen, Limpopo – During community dialogues guided by the Child Protection Month theme, “Working Together to End Violence Against Children,” parents from Mohlabaneng and Jamela villages voiced their agreement on a long-standing African value: It takes a village to raise a child.
The dialogues, facilitated by social workers from the Department of Social Development, aimed to accelerate local child protection efforts by placing parents at the centre of community-based solutions.
One of the parents, Ms Maggie Lethokwa, said that the erosion of shared community values was contributing to the rise in child abuse and harmful social behaviours.
“In the past, we all raised each other’s children, but now we only focus on our own. That tradition is lost. Our children are affected by teenage pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse, and sexual exploitation. Yet we fail to act because we no longer see other people’s children as our responsibility,” she said.
Parents collectively emphasised the importance of collaboration between families, children, traditional leaders, the police, and community members in building safer environments for children.
Ms Evelyn Molokomme, who also spoke during the session, reminded her peers that government cannot fight child abuse alone.
“Parents must play their part in protecting children. It’s not just about what government must do. We cannot allow children to watch age-inappropriate content or protect known abusers in our families. Matters like these must be reported to law enforcement,” she said.
Ms Gladys Mahlonoko raised the impact of poverty and inequality on child vulnerability. She explained that some children, feeling pressure to match their peers, are lured into dangerous situations for basic needs.
“Many children are drawn into abuse and exploitation because of what they lack at home. Some end up exchanging their bodies for money just to afford clothes or toiletries. It is heartbreaking,” she said.
Addressing the gathering, Mr David Chabalala, Director for Child Rights Advocacy in the Department of Social Development, acknowledged the concerns raised and encouraged parents to find balance between rights and responsibilities.
“Our Constitution guarantees children’s rights to education, healthcare, shelter, and protection. But rights must go hand in hand with responsibility. Parents must raise their children in supportive, value-based environments, and children must also respect guidance as they grow into responsible citizens,” he said.
The Ministerial campaign for Child Protection is now observed as a 365 Days Programme of Action, recognising the urgency of continuous child safety efforts. It promotes early interventions such as social behaviour change programmes, community mobilisation, and the empowerment of children and caregivers.
Outcomes from both children’s and parents’ dialogues will be consolidated and presented at the main Child Protection Month Commemoration Event, taking place on Sunday, 8 June 2025, at Mokwakwaila village in the Greater Letaba Municipality, Limpopo Province.