MINISTER TOLASHE BRINGS CHILD PROTECTION CAMPAIGN TO MANGUZI, KZN

DSD News

• KwaZulu-Natal ranks third in abuse and neglect cases, with Umkhanyakude facing a surge in teenage pregnancies, including births among children aged 10 to 14.
• ⁠Minister Tolashe, along with SASSA and NDA, will deliver social grants, substance abuse support, and NPO compliance assistance directly to Manguzi residents.
• ⁠The Minister will meet with traditional leaders to mobilise collective action against gender-based violence and femicide as part of the 90-day acceleration plan.

As part of the National Child Protection Month initiative, Minister of Social Development, Ms Sisisi Tolashe, will take a hands-on approach by visiting Manguzi in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday, 23 May 2024. Known for her work under the District Development Model, Minister Tolashe is leading the charge to bring much-needed services and attention to communities battling deep-rooted social challenges.
KwaZulu-Natal currently records the third-highest number of child abuse and neglect cases in South Africa, with over 3,600 reported incidents. The Umkhanyakude District, where Manguzi is located, faces particularly distressing statistics: in just the first quarter of 2025, there were 11 births among girls aged 10 to 14 and 741 births among teens aged 15 to 19. These numbers reflect a growing crisis that the Department of Social Development (DSD), together with its agencies — the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the National Development Agency (NDA) — hopes to address directly through outreach and service delivery.
During the visit, Minister Tolashe will be accompanied by senior leadership from the department and its entities, bringing with them vital services such as social grant applications, substance abuse prevention, and non-profit compliance support. The campaign is not just about awareness — it’s about action on the ground.
In addition to the community outreach, Minister Tolashe will engage traditional leaders in the area to strengthen partnerships in the ongoing national fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). Her role as co-chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee driving the 90-day acceleration plan against GBVF highlights the urgency and seriousness of the matter.