MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT MS SISISI TOLASHE TO LAUNCH THE 2025 CHILD PROTECTION CAMPAIGN IN THABA NCHU, FREE STATE

By Abram Phahlamohlala

• ⁠ ⁠Minister Sisisi Tolashe will launch the 2025 Child Protection Campaign on 11 May in Thaba Nchu, Free State, focusing on ending violence against children.
•  ⁠The campaign is part of a global commitment to eliminate violence against children by 2030, and has been escalated into a 365-day national programme.
• UN Special Representative Dr Najat Maalla M’jid will join the launch, underscoring South Africa’s progress and global alignment on child protection efforts.

In response to the growing threats faced by children in South Africa — including teenage pregnancy, school dropout, trafficking, sexual abuse, neglect, gender-based violence, and the HIV/AIDS pandemic, Minister of Social Development, Ms Sisisi Tolashe continued with build up activities leading to the official launch of the 2025 Child Protection Campaign on Sunday, 11 May, in Thaba Nchu, Free State.

The campaign, themed “Working Together in Ending Violence Against Children,” is part of a global five-year commitment to end violence against children by 2030. South Africa reaffirmed this commitment during the First Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, held in Bogotá, Colombia, in 2024.

When Minister Tolashe was appointed to lead the Department of Social Development, she committed to strengthening families as a cornerstone of child protection. In her maiden budget vote speech, she said:

“Our families are greatly impacted by Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, as it often leads to fractured relationships, emotional trauma, and lasting effects on children, victims, as well as other family members.”

The Department of Social Development leads Pillar 4 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), focusing on response, care, support, and healing for survivors. The Child Protection Campaign complements this mandate by prioritising prevention and early intervention programs and promoting a multi-disciplinary, year-round approach to protecting children.

Now escalated into a 365-Day Child Protection Programme of Action, the campaign aims to keep children’s issues in the national spotlight, empower families, and build community partnerships with law enforcement and child development stakeholders to prevent abuse and exploitation.

The official launch event will begin with a community awareness activity led by Minister Tolashe and Free State MEC for Social Development, Ms Selina Leeto, who will engage local residents and make a national plea for collective responsibility in safeguarding children.

Notably , the launch coincides with the official visit of Dr Najat Maalla M’jid, the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, who will join the Minister for the launch and participate in child protection activities scheduled throughout the week.
Dr M’jid’s visit presents a key opportunity for South Africa to showcase its progress in advancing the rights and safety of children.