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WHERE THE WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN IS INVOLVED, THERE IS NO GREY AREA – WE MUST ALL SPEAK OUT AGAINST ABUSE

[ DSD news ]

June 1, 2026

1190

By Sandy Godlwana

⁠As Child Protection Month draws to a close, it is imperative that every single one of us must end the culture of silence, report abuse, and build communities where every child is protected.
⁠Many harmful incidents remain hidden due to fear, stigma, family pressure, harmful social norms, and limited access to services, notes the Chief Director: Communication at the Department of Social Development, Sandy Godlwana.
⁠Children’s rights are protected by Section 28 of the Constitution, which clearly states every child must be protected from maltreatment, neglect, degradation or abuse.

When we look into the eyes of our children, we see the very soul of our nation, and right now, that soul is being tested. As we mark Child Protection Week from 29 May to 5 June 2026, held under the theme “Protect every child: Report abuse. End statutory rape. Build safe families”, it is time to move past polite concern and sound the alarm.

South Africa must speak with one voice to reaffirm that our children must never be silenced, sold, or exploited. Protecting our children from harm is a national imperative and everyone’s business. We can no longer turn a blind eye and allow these devastating crimes to persist.

Incidents that threaten the lives and well-being of children call for urgent, coordinated intervention, in line with our constitutional democracy that places children’s rights at the centre of our national project. Section 28 of the Constitution clearly states that every child has the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, degradation or abuse.

Child abuse and statutory rape are gruesome criminal violations.

When a child is exploited in this way, whether at home, in school, online or in the wider community, the harm is not only personal but a direct breach of our constitutional values.

In terms of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, any sexual act with a child under the age of 16 is unlawful, regardless of so-called “consent”. We must reject narratives that excuse adult predation, transactional relationships, coercion or grooming. Where children are involved, there is no grey area; the law exists to protect, and society must insist on accountability.

One visible indicator of child abuse is the rise in teenage pregnancy, particularly among girls aged 10 to 14, which raises red flags for sexual exploitation. The consequences are often lifelong and include interrupted schooling, health risks for the mother and child, psychological trauma, stigma, and an increased likelihood of poverty and repeated violence.

In response, the government is intensifying efforts to break these cycles of violence through a coordinated, child-centred approach that involves key departments such as the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Department of Basic Education, and the Department of Social Development, as well as child protection services.

This work includes strengthening prevention programmes, improving referral pathways, expanding access to child-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, and ensuring proper investigation and prosecution of cases.

The Joint Parliamentary Enquiry into statutory rape and teenage pregnancy reinforces our collective determination to close gaps in prevention, reporting and consequence management.

However, legislation and state services are not sufficient on their own. Prevention begins at the community level, which calls on citizens to speak out.

It is disheartening that many incidents remain hidden due to fear, stigma, family pressure, harmful social norms, and limited access to services, especially in rural communities, silencing victims and shielding perpetrators.

Underreporting is not a statistical issue but a protection gap that allows abuse to continue. It is therefore up to every citizen to act, recognising that child protection is a mandatory duty for every educator, health worker, social worker, caregiver, community member and adult when a child is at risk.

We urge parents and caregivers to supervise their children and create safe environments that foster open dialogue with their children and encourage them to communicate and be heard. Schools must also be recognised as safe spaces that identify risk early and report cases without delay.

Religious and traditional leaders can also play their part and make a significant impact by uprooting practices that normalise exploitation. Men and boys must be part of the solution, rejecting harmful notions of masculinity and standing firmly against sexual violence.

Child Protection Month is a reminder and a call to action. Every citizen must speak out and report abuse, as early reporting can save lives and prevent further harm.

If you suspect a child is being abused or exploited, report it immediately by calling the police on 10111, or the human trafficking hotline on 0800 222 777 for suspected trafficking cases.

Survivors of abuse can access counselling and support through the 24-Hour Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428 and at Thuthuzela Care Centres.

Children and community members can also reach out to Childline and child welfare organisations for assistance.

Let us end the culture of silence by reporting abuse and building communities where every child is protected, supported and enabled to thrive.

• Sandy Godlwana is the Chief Director: Communication at the Department of Social Development