UN SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE APPLAUDS COMMUNITY-LED EFFORTS DURING VISIT TO BOPHELONG DROP-IN CENTRE IN TEMBISA

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By Precious Mupenzi

  • Bophelong Drop-In Centre provides vital psychosocial, educational, and nutritional support to over 700 vulnerable individuals in Tembisa.
  • Despite successes, the Centre lacks infrastructure, school supplies, and transport, limiting its reach and impact.
  • Dr M’jid urges a national, multi-sectoral effort to scale successful community interventions and prioritise child protection at the highest political levels.

Tembisa, Gauteng – As South Africa marks Child Protection Month, Tembisa shone as a symbol of resilience and care during a heartwarming visit by Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children.
Dr M’jid concluded her official mission to South Africa with a vibrant stop at the Bophelong Drop-In Centre, one of 1,200 centres supported by the Department of Social Development under the Risiha Programme, which aims to transition children from vulnerability to resilience.

She was welcomed with song, dance, and a touching rendition of the national anthem by children whose joyful performance of “Sihamba Naye, Silala Naye” captured the essence of hope and unity in the community.

A Place of Life and Love

In her address, Dr M’jid praised the dedication of caregivers, social workers, and community members, stating, “Protecting children is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative rooted in community care, love, and dignity.”
The Centre—true to its name, Bophelong, meaning “Place of Life”—buzzed with energy and hope. During the briefing, the Centre Manager shared its evolution from a home-based care programme in response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic into a holistic support initiative serving more than 700 community members.

Bophelong currently provides:

  • Psychosocial services to over 350 orphans and vulnerable children,
  • Daily meals to 150 children,
  • Support to 127 households, 36 elderly people, and 56 individuals living with HIV/AIDS or chronic conditions.

In addition, the Centre runs a bakery and food gardening project to promote self-sufficiency, food security, and economic development in an area burdened by poverty and unemployment.
Challenges Persist Amid Progress

Despite its successes, the Centre faces ongoing challenges, including a lack of:

  • A dedicated facility,
  • Educational resources,
  • Reliable transport to reach all ten surrounding schools (currently serving only five).

“There are still too many children without access to the care and support they desperately need,” the Centre Manager said.
Dr. M’jid engaged directly with children and caregivers, affirming the importance of community-led responses in protecting children from violence and vulnerability. “Children must be seen, heard, and protected — and that protection must start at the community level,” she stressed.

Dr. M’jid’s Call to Action

Reflecting on her mission, Dr M’jid highlighted both the risks and the hope she witnessed. “When children lose their sense of belonging, especially teenagers, the risk of falling into criminal networks increases. But I have seen what works.”
She called for a multi-sectoral approach that includes the police, justice system, education, health, civil society, and children themselves. “We don’t need more pilots—we need to scale what works, with accountability, and we must listen to children’s voices.”
She reminded the audience that South Africa is a pathfinding country under the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, urging political leaders to prioritise child protection.

Minister Tolashe: “You Lead With Love”

Minister of Social Development, Ms. Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to child protection and praised the dedication of those on the ground.
“You don’t just do a job—you bring your heart. You lead with love. And there’s no money in the world that can pay for that,” she said.

A Shared Vision Forward

The visit ended with a tour of the facilities and heartfelt interactions with volunteers, caregivers, and children. Dr M’jid left a final message of encouragement:
“South Africa can make it. You have the people, the commitment, and the opportunity. Now we must make it happen—together.”

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