Child Protection Is A Shared Duty: Child Protection Week 2025
*By Natalie Nyathi
Recently, Karl Muller from the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund was quoted by ENCA saying that to remedy the crisis of children’s rights violations, the government must be held accountable. “The names of teachers who violate children should be in the sex offender registry, must be removed from their teaching positions, and face the might of the law,” he stated.
Families, communities, and individuals must remain vigilant and take a stand against any form of violence. It takes a whole village to raise a child.
Child Protection Week is a week-long campaign focused on raising awareness and promoting the rights and protection of children. Observed annually in South Africa, it aims to mobilize stakeholders—including government, NGOs, and communities—to ensure children’s safety and care. The week highlights the importance of protecting children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence.
Established in 2000, National Child Protection Week raises awareness of children’s rights as articulated in the South African Constitution and the Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005). This year, it runs from May 29 to June 5, 2025.
Sadly, many children in South Africa experience abuse and neglect. Thousands are reported as victims every year. In the first five months of 2025 alone, cases like that of Cwecwe, a 7-year-old girl raped at school, and an 8-year-old girl assaulted by a gang, highlight the urgent need for justice. Many perpetrators continue to walk free, evading accountability.
During Child Protection Week, communities hold events to raise awareness about child safety. Workshops teach parents and children about their rights, yet thousands remain vulnerable. For instance, an 8-year-old girl reported abuse to her teacher, who ignored her pleas. The abuse was only discovered later by her mother, yet justice remains elusive.
According to studies, approximately 7.9% of young people experience neglect, with girls reporting it more frequently. A SaferSpaces report indicates that 42.2% of children experience maltreatment, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
In the Eastern Cape, rape accounts for 45.9% of all reported crimes against children, while the national figure stands at 38.3%. These statistics remain alarming despite various initiatives aimed at curbing the crisis.
The Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005) addresses child protection by defining parental responsibilities, establishing principles for care, and outlining provisions for children’s courts and adoption. It enforces children’s rights and prohibits child abuse, including exploitative labor practices.
Childline South Africa has also stepped up, calling for justice for all abused children. CEO Dumisile Cele emphasized the need for psychosocial support for affected learners and accountability for those in positions of trust.
Recently, the Department of Social Development launched a nationwide child protection program in response to over 26,000 reported cases of child abuse and neglect in the 2024/25 financial year. Minister Sisisi Tolashe highlighted the need for collective action, stating that the government cannot tackle this issue alone.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a 90-day strategy to address ongoing violence against children, emphasizing the necessity of community involvement.
The protection of children is a shared duty. Society must actively participate in safeguarding children within their communities. Families, communities, and individuals must remain vigilant and take a stand against violence. Together, we can curb child abuse and ensure children’s rights to safety and a nurturing childhood.
