YOUNG WOMAN’S COURAGE SPARKS COMMUNITY-WIDE SUPPORT AT CHILD PROTECTION OUTREACH

By Tholakele Makena.

• ⁠A 19-year-old from Mokwakwaila Village bravely shared her experience of poverty and overcrowding during a government outreach event, leading to immediate psychosocial support and grant approval.
• Her story highlighted the urgency of delivering services directly to vulnerable communities as part of Child Protection Month activities.
• ⁠The event formed part of the Department of Social Development’s 365 Days Programme of Action to end violence against children in hotspot areas like Greater Letaba.

A 19-year-old girl from Mokwakwaila Village in Limpopo broke down in tears as she shared her painful reality, with ten family members crammed into a single-room home and her farmworker parents often sleeping elsewhere due to lack of space. She had come to apply for the R370 Social Relief of Distress grant, but what unfolded was far more significant.
Her bravery opened the door to immediate support. Social worker Nthabiseng Ramakgolo, from the Greater Letaba Child Protection Unit, responded swiftly. Psychological assistance was provided on site, and her grant application was approved. “I’m happy because I will be able to buy toiletries and help my family,” she said, her voice still shaken but grateful.
This emotional encounter became a defining moment in the Department of Social Development’s community outreach initiative, held at Mokwakwaila Community Hall, near Mojajiskloof in Limpopo’s Mopani District. The engagement formed part of the national 365 Days Programme of Action on Ending Violence Against Children and marked the official closure of Child Protection Month.
Greater Letaba: A Hotspot in Need of Hope
Statistics from the South African Police Service paint a sobering picture. Bolobedu, which falls under the Greater Letaba Municipality, ranks sixth for reported rape cases and fourth for domestic violence out of 30 police precincts in Limpopo. It is these stark realities that informed the Department’s decision to host this crucial engagement in the area.
Government Brings Services to the People
The outreach focused on raising awareness about child sexual abuse and improving access to support services. Mr Nkatane Matsomane, Social Work Policy Manager responsible for the Child Protection Register, and Ms Ramango Morufa, Social Work Supervisor in Greater Letaba, emphasised the importance of delivering government services where they are needed most.
Various departments, including Health, SASSA, SAPS, and Social Development, worked collaboratively to provide onsite assistance and guidance to the community. The aim was not only to educate but also to encourage reporting and strengthen support systems for survivors.
Restoring Dignity and Building Safer Communities
The young woman’s story reflects the tangible impact of government outreach at grassroots level. Her family has since been profiled for further intervention, ensuring they receive comprehensive support beyond the event itself.
This is more than just a campaign. It is about restoring dignity, one household at a time. It is about making sure that no child, no family, and no cry for help goes unheard in South Africa’s fight to end violence against children.