PROTECTING CHILDREN: DSD LEADS AWARENESS DRIVE IN GQEBERHA

By Nonhlakanipho Masola

• DSD emphasised that safeguarding children cannot rest with government alone but requires the collective responsibility of parents, communities, and civil society.
• The Child Protection Register revealed that Nelson Mandela Metro is among the districts with the highest cases, prompting the department to prioritise awareness and support in the area.
• Ms Cekiso highlighted that preventing abuse requires empowering boys and men to play a constructive role in moral regeneration and community protection, ensuring safer environments for all children.

The Department of Social Development (DSD) hosted an Educational Awareness Engagement on the Prevention of Child and Sexual Abuse at Protea Child and Youth Care Centre CYCC in Gqeberha. This engagement formed part of a series of build-up activities leading up to the Commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child on 11 October 2025, under the broader umbrella of DSD Month, during which the department intensifies its campaigns and programmes for the protection and empowerment of children.
The International Day of the Girl Child is a key global platform to celebrate girls, amplify their voices, and advocate for their rights. However, in South Africa, the day is also a reminder of the many challenges faced by children, particularly girls, who remain disproportionately affected by sexual abuse, exploitation, and teenage pregnancy.
The session brought together parents, children, and key partners including the Departments of Health and Education, SAPS, the Department of Justice, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Social workers from national, provincial, and district levels led discussions and activities aimed at raising awareness, educating communities, and reinforcing protection systems.
Leading this campaign is the Department of Social Development’s Ms Neliswa Cekiso, Acting Chief Director for Child Protection and Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), who emphasised the urgent need to address the prevalence of child abuse in South Africa.
“The protection of children is not the responsibility of government alone. It requires all of us as parents, communities, civil society, and every sector of society to act. If we do not strengthen child protection measures now, we risk failing an entire generation,” she said.
She noted that the Child Protection Register revealed that five provinces record the highest number of child abuse cases, particularly sexual abuse. She highlighted that many young girls and boys experience abuse but often do not speak about it or report it.
“Nelson Mandela Metro is among the districts with the highest cases of child sexual abuse, and that is why we convened this engagement. I want to reassure everyone here that support services are available for any child or community member in need.”
Cekiso reassured participants that support services were available for any child or community member in need. She emphasised that some children may have witnessed, heard about, or even experienced abuse, and reminded them that social workers were present to provide immediate support then urged anyone feeling discomfort to step outside and speak with them, assuring them that they were not alone.

She stressed the importance of empowering children with knowledge and practical tools to protect themselves, prevent abuse, and reduce their risk of exposure. At the same time, she underscored the need for the legal system to strengthen its ability to prevent, respond to, and effectively manage cases of child abuse.

Cekiso further explained that the department will return to Nelson Mandela Metro on 11 October, where the Minister of Social Development is expected to lead the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child.
While acknowledging that the day focuses on girls, Cekiso highlighted the critical role boys play in building safer communities. She pointed to research showing that men’s involvement in moral regeneration and community protection initiatives is vital, noting that in many cases it is boys who grow up to violate girls. Empowering boys and men to protect, rather than harm, she said, is essential to creating safe communities for all children.