KATLEHONG COMMUNITY UNITES TO MARCH AGAINST CHILD ABUSE

By Madali Chibambu.

• The Katlehong community — encompassing children, law enforcement officers, social development officials, and local leaders — came together in a powerful march to raise awareness and reinforce their collective commitment to protecting children during Child Protection Month.
• Collaboration for Impact: The occasion emphasized the importance of cooperation among social workers, police, community groups, and other stakeholders to combat child abuse effectively.
• Support for Survivors: The presence and advocacy of the Community Policing Forum were crucial in empowering survivors, as demonstrated by a rape survivor’s testimony of successful court support.

Despite the chilly weather, children from Themba Phungula Early Childhood Development Centre joined scores of community members in a march against child abuse organized by the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Katlehong Office. The march proceeded from the community centre to Ramokonopi Police Station, demonstrating a powerful show of solidarity during Child Protection Month.
Rosemary Mokoti, Katlehong Social Work Supervisor and event coordinator, explained that the march had two main objectives: to raise awareness about the prevalence of child abuse and to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders involved in child protection. “This march is not just symbolic; it creates a platform for key partners to come together and better understand each other’s roles in protecting children,” Mokoti said.

At Ramokonopi Police Station, the marchers were warmly received by Lieutenant Ephraim Shezi and his team. Shezi affirmed the police’s support for the initiative, stating, “We were expecting this awareness march organized by Social Development in partnership with other stakeholders. This is not a protest against us; it’s a collective effort to raise awareness during Child Protection Month.” He continued, “You can see we are united here with the Community Policing Forum, the Youth Desk, and others. As SAPS, we send a clear message: we are committed to protecting our children. To those abusing or raping children, know that we will leave no stone unturned.”
Bheki Langa, a leader from the local Neighbourhood Watch, echoed Shezi’s sentiments, emphasizing that community safety is a shared responsibility. “When we stand together like this, we become stronger and more effective in protecting our children,” Langa said.
A rape survivor, who wishes to remain anonymous for safety reasons, shared her personal story. She credited the Community Policing Forum (CPF) for their support during her court appearance, saying their presence and advocacy helped her win the case. “Having the CPF by my side made all the difference. They confronted the perpetrator and gave me the strength to speak up,” she revealed.
The march was not only a public stand against child abuse but also a powerful reminder of the impact that can be achieved when government, law enforcement, and communities unite to protect the most vulnerable.