“Senzeni Na? South Africa” — Parents and Learners Unite in Gqeberha to Protect Children

By Precious Mupenzi

• Learners not only shared their vulnerabilities but also gave practical advice to peers, stressing the importance of speaking out, protecting themselves online, and remembering their right to say no to abuse.
• Parents acknowledged the threats facing children, from online exploitation and trafficking to bullying and peer pressure, admitting the dangers are closer to home than many realise. They stressed the need to supervise with both vigilance and compassion.
• Both children and adults emphasised that safeguarding children is a collective duty, requiring collaboration between families, communities, schools, and government to create safe spaces where children’s voices are heard and respected.

“Senzeni Na? South Africa… Asilazi ityala lethu… Bayasibulala thina, Nkos’ Yami…”
With this powerful song, two Grade 6 learners opened the Educational Awareness Programme held at Protea Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) today in Gqeberha, setting the tone for an emotional and thought-provoking engagement. The children’s voices, raised in the traditional struggle song often sung to lament injustice, carried a different weight on this day, a cry against the ongoing violence, abuse, and exploitation that continue to rob South African children of their innocence and futures.
The session, convened under the Department of Social Development’s 365 Days Programme of Action in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development, brought together parents, educators, social workers, learners, and various stakeholders to confront the dangers faced by children in today’s world.
Children used the platform to share powerful messages, touching on several issues affecting their daily lives, particularly on sexual abuse and the violence directed at them simply for being children. Their voices reminded adults in attendance that children are not only victims but also advocates who can guide one another in building safer communities. They stressed that sexual abuse could happen anywhere, in communities, at school, or even through social media. They urged their peers to speak out, confide in their parents or someone they trust, and to always remember that every child has the right to say no.
In their words to parents, the children emphasised: “You are our number one priority, our protectors, and role models. Please keep us safe in a world that can be very dangerous.”
A strong peer-learning element emerged as learners gave each other advice and practical solutions. Online safety was highlighted as a critical issue, with many noting that the digital space is where children often experience bullying, exploitation, and other risks. One learner explained: “Children have basic rights, the right to education, to be free, to wear what they want, to be protected, to be heard, to make mistakes, and to express themselves in unique ways. Sexual abuse is when someone crosses boundaries, whether physically or verbally. It is a violation, and children must know that they have the right to say no.”
Another learner added practical guidance for peers: “When you are sexually abused, you must report it to an adult, tell someone you trust, and call the police. Online, avoid talking to strangers, refrain from sharing your location, and always enable parental controls. Children under 18 should not be on platforms like Facebook or TikTok, and if something happens, report it immediately so there is evidence. Protecting children is not only the job of social workers or the police. Communities, too, must play a role in keeping children safe.”
In closing, learners emphasised that creating safe spaces for children to speak out is a collective responsibility. “If we all work together to stop child abuse, it is possible. Children’s voices must never be silenced. No one deserves to be a victim of abuse.”
Facilitated by the Department of Social Development’s Gyan Dwarika, the discussions highlighted the realities of bullying, unsafe online spaces, and the false promises of a “better life” that lure children into human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
“When children are lured with promises of education or money, they can easily fall into the trap of trafficking and exploitation. Parents must remain vigilant, regularly check their children’s phones, and create safe spaces for open conversations,” said Dwarika.

Parents admitted that the threats were closer to home than many realised. One mother shared, ‘Sometimes it starts with simple words like, ‘Your mother doesn’t care about you.” I love you. I’ll take care of you.’ Children who feel vulnerable believe these lies, and before you know it, they are in dangerous situations.”
Another parent raised concerns about the influence of the dark web. “It makes violence, drugs, even pornography look normal. Our children are being over exposed, and as parents, we must educate them before the internet does.”
The topic of bullying drew emotional responses. Parents spoke about the signs they had seen in their children and the devastating impact on mental health. “Some children withdraw, avoid school, or stop doing the things they loved. We must not ignore those signs,” said one father. Another added, “We also need to accept that sometimes our own children may be the bullies. If they are secretive with their phones or defensive about what they are doing online, we must step in.”
The discussion also touched on sexual abuse and exploitation, with parents acknowledging the responsibility to act immediately if they suspect harm. “We were reminded not to wash away the evidence or delete messages,” a participant explained. “We must report it to the police, seek help from social workers, and take our children to the hospital if needed.”
The parents agreed that supervision must go hand in hand with trust. “We can’t just be aggressive with our children,” said a mother. “We must explain why we are checking their phones, why we set rules. They need to know we do it because we love them, not because we want to control them.”