SOUTH AFRICANS HAVE A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT CHILDREN

By Precious Mupenzi

• ⁠All South Africans have a role to play in creating safer environments for the children.
• Speaking at the launch of Child Protection Month, the director general of the Department of Social Development, Peter Netshipale, said that while May is dedicated to promoting the care and protection of children, it should become a daily effort.
• ⁠”We must address all the factors that impact child protection and do so in a coordinated and systematic way,” Netshipale added.

Social Development Director General Peter Netshipale has called on all South Africans to unite in building a safer environment for children.

Speaking at the launch of Child Protection Month at the Refentse Primary School in Thaba Nchu, Free State, on 11 May 2025, where 600 people gathered – representing the 21 million children of South Africa – Netshipale emphasised the collective responsibility of protecting children.

During the launch, one child’s poignant plea summed up the urgency of the fight against child abuse: “No bail for abusers. We live in fear when they return to our communities, thinking about who will be the next victim.”

Reflecting on the evolution of the initiative, the director general noted: “Child Protection Week has grown into Child Protection Month, and ultimately, it must become Child Protection 365 days – every day, everywhere.”

Netshipale stressed that May is dedicated to promoting the care and protection of children while reaffirming their rights and the kind of world South Africans must create for them.

“Children have rights that must be protected. As the Department of Social Development, we are at the centre of this effort, but we cannot do it alone. We need other government departments, communities, and every citizen to ensure children are safe and cared for,” he said.

He further outlined that protecting children requires both prevention and response measures against violence and abuse. “We must address all the factors that impact child protection and do so in a coordinated and systematic way,” he added.

Netshipale called for stronger partnerships, highlighting that effective coordination and collaboration among stakeholders are key to combating violence against children.

“Government alone cannot win this fight. Protection requires a multi-sectoral approach involving government departments, private sector, labour organisations, civil society, Chapter 9 institutions, development partners, and international donors.”

He urged provinces and child protection stakeholders to submit their plans and activities for both Child Protection Month and the 365 Days Child Protection Programme of Action, to enable better coordination and support across the country.

“Let’s build a better future for our children. Let’s create safe environments every day and every time. Let’s shout, let’s protect, and let’s make sure our children are safe,” Netshipale concluded.

Child Protection Month, as part of the broader 365 Days Child Protection Programme, shines a spotlight on the plight of children, focusing on targeted interventions that educate and empower children, parents, caregivers, and communities.

The aim is to raise awareness about the daily violence and social ills that threaten children’s well-being and to ensure communities know where to seek help in times of crisis.

Education and awareness efforts are vital for the early detection, reporting, and referral of cases of children and families in distress, enabling timely interventions.