MOKWAKWAILA UNITES WITH GOVERNMENT TO TACKLE CHILD ABUSE

By Justice Malapane.

• Community-Government Partnership: Mokwakwaila residents will collaborate with traditional and government authorities to address child abuse and social issues.
• ⁠The National Strategic Plan on GBVF is being reviewed to focus on children’s protection, while the government plans to introduce zero-rated SIM cards for direct access to help.
• Call to Action for Men and Families: Deputy Minister Hendricks encouraged men to actively engage with children and stressed the role of sports and education in creating safe, nurturing environments.

08 June 2025 | Mokwakwaila Village, Greater Letaba, Limpopo Province – The community of Mokwakwaila has articulated a clear and sincere message: safeguarding children necessitates collective effort. As South Africa concluded Child Protection Month under the theme “Together to end violence against children,” residents of this rural village in Limpopo have pledged to collaborate with government entities to eradicate child abuse.
The closing ceremony, attended by both parents and children, served as a platform for open dialogue. These conversations revealed a strong community will to address the root causes of child abuse—social issues such as teenage pregnancy, sexual exploitation, and physical violence. Residents emphasised the importance of a joint effort involving Traditional Leaders, the Department of Social Development, the South African Police Service, and ward councillors.
Dikgang Morudu, President of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament, who led the day’s programme, lauded government efforts to revise the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. The proposed addition of Pillar 7, which focuses on children’s rights and protection, was welcomed as a step in the right direction.
Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mr Ganief Hendricks, delivered a powerful address urging men across the country to build relationships with children—”even if it’s just sharing a cup of coffee.” He proposed the rollout of zero-rated SIM cards to children to ensure easy access to government support services, such as SASSA and the National Development Agency. Hendricks called for more recreational opportunities to keep children in school and away from harmful environments.
“When we return through outreach programmes, we want to see a changed environment—one that is no longer a hotspot for child abuse,” said the Deputy Minister. “The work to protect children must continue beyond Child Protection Month.”
Mokwakwaila’s unified stance is not just a symbolic gesture—it is a promise of action to create a future where every child feels seen, valued, and protected. Residents hope that their collaborative approach will inspire neighbouring communities to join in this critical mission, thereby amplifying efforts to safeguard children across Limpopo and beyond.
He concluded by affirming the government’s unwavering commitment: “South Africa is one of the few countries that ensures no child goes to bed hungry. We take care of children from the day they are born. That is the legacy we must protect.”