Gauteng Social Development MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko says child protection requires a collective effort from government, communities and civil society.
She made this remark during a Children’s March to the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg held as part of Child Protection Week.
The march brought together children, NGOs and faith-based organisations to raise concerns about abuse, statutory rape and safety.
Nkomo-Ralehoko says the department is working with partners to ensure abused children are placed in safe spaces and receive proper care and support.
“We continue making sure that we do the work that we are supposed to do through the NPOs. Because remember, NPOs are an extension of the Department of Social Development. That is why you find social workers in the NPOs, you find auxiliary workers, and you find nurses and doctors who are attached to them. But the key thing we need to do with the department of health is to attach them to nearby clinics and hospitals.”
Children march to voice safety concerns:
The Teddy Bear Foundation says child protection in South Africa remains a serious concern despite ongoing awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts.
The organisation highlighted these challenges during a Children’s March to the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg, held as part of Child Protection Week.
Its Director, Dr Shaheda Omar, says the march provided a platform for children and child protection organisations to raise concerns about abuse, statutory rape and gaps in the justice system.
Omar has called for stronger coordination between government, law enforcement and civil society to ensure faster justice and better protection for children.
“It is a collective effort that all sectors of society – not only government, but also communities and every other stakeholder – need to make child abuse their business to ensure stronger protection of children. There are also calls for the minister of justice to address the national sex offender register to ensure consistency in sentencing and convictions. This is so that perpetrators are brought to book and held fully accountable.”
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