CHILD PROTECTION WEEK SET TO BEGIN

Thu 29 May 2025:

National Child Protection Week 2025 rallies South Africans under the theme ‘Working Together to End Violence Against Children’.

National Child Protection Week, running from 29 May to 5 June 2025, commences with a nationwide appeal for all citizens to actively protect the country’s youth.

The 2025 campaign, themed ‘Working Together to End Violence Against Children’,  is spearheaded by the Department of Social Development. This initiative seeks to elevate awareness regarding the rights of children, as articulated in both the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005). The government calls upon all South Africans to protect children from abuse, neglect, violence, and exploitation.

The South African Government underscores that this commitment is not merely a value but a constitutional obligation, clearly defined in Article 28 of the South African Constitution. This article mandates the highest regard for children’s rights to equality, dignity, and freedom from maltreatment, neglect, and abuse.

The campaign involves vital partnerships with key government departments and civil society organisations rendering child protection services.

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Community Initiatives and Parental Guidance Crucial for Child Safety

Local efforts across the nation exemplify the campaign’s collaborative theme. In Chatsworth, for instance, the Youth Crime Prevention Desk, in collaboration with the South African Police Services (SAPS) and other community partners including the Department of Justice and Child Welfare, is implementing the ‘Crime Does Not Pay – Chatsworth Youth Take a Stand Against Crime’ programme.

This programme specifically targets children aged 12 to 16. Captain Cheryl Pillay, communications officer of SAPS Chatsworth, described this demographic as “a critical age group increasingly at risk of being pulled into the trap of crime, drugs, and violence.” The initiative aims to “plant seeds of self-worth, responsibility, and direction,” thereby helping to protect vulnerable youth from such influences.

Beyond community and state-led efforts, the role of parents and guardians remains paramount in ensuring child safety. Bankmed advises that children are “never too young to learn about safety,” which includes crucial lessons on ‘safe’ and ‘unsafe’ touching. Open and honest communication is vital; children should be taught that “no one should ever touch them on an area their swimming costume covers” and understand that “any form of secret touching is not okay,” particularly if an adult requests secrecy.

Educating children on identifying trusted adults, appropriate responses to strangers, and responsible internet usage—such as never giving out personal information like their school, phone numbers, or home address online—are essential protective measures. Such active parenting and ongoing education are fundamental to protect children in their daily environments and interactions.

For individuals seeking support or wishing to report concerns regarding child welfare, several resources are readily available. The Department of Social Development operates a 24-hour toll-free call centre dedicated to providing support and counselling, which can be reached at 0800 428 428. Additionally, Childline South Africa offers assistance via the number 116, and Child Welfare South Africa can be contacted at 0861 4 CHILD (24453) or via email at info@childwelfaresa.org.za.