Child Protection Week “Working together to end violence against children. – 25.05.26

Child Protection Week “Working together to end violence against children.

25 May 2026- National Child Protection Week is recognised annually to raise awareness on the rights of children as articulated in the Constitution of South Africa, and The Children's Act. It is increasingly critical, as children across the country continue to experience abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm in real life and on digital platforms. The South African Government News Agency reports that nearly 21 million children (34% of the population) live below the age of 18. While the country has made strides in child rights, many children face significant challenges, including poverty, food insecurity, lack of access to education and basic services, and exposure to violence.

25 May 2026- National Child Protection Week is recognised annually to raise awareness on the rights of children as articulated in the Constitution of South Africa, and The Children's Act.

It is increasingly critical, as children across the country continue to experience abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm in real life and on digital platforms. The South African Government News Agency reports that nearly 21 million children (34% of the population) live below the age of 18. While the country has made strides in child rights, many children face significant challenges, including poverty, food insecurity, lack of access to education and basic services, and exposure to violence. 

According to the National Child Protection Register, first to third quarter statistics for 2025/26, there were 8 984 cases of child abuse with 3 258 sexual abuse cases reported.

The Department of Justice’s statistical records show an increase of statutory rape to 199 for the 2025/26 financial year as compared to 127 of 2024/25 financial year. Children committing statutory rape is also a concern with 22 reported cases whilst 890 children committed rape. 129 cases are rape victims being under 18 years old. Based on the statistics, 2026 Child Protection Month will focus on strengthening statutory rape case management, identification, reporting, investigation and provision of therapeutic services.

Protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only a basic value but also an obligation set out in Article 28 of the South African Constitution.

For more than 40 years, SOS Children’s Villages in South Africa has been providing alternative care and child protection services to over 700 children in our villages, and more than 4500 children and young people in the Community outreach Programme.

“Every child deserves a safe childhood, protecting them should be everyone’s responsibility, says Kgomotso Loate: Child Safeguarding Officer at SOS Children’s Villages in South Africa.

At every stage of their lives, children at SOS Children’s Villages across SA are afforded psychological, emotional, and psycho-social care, fully supported by professional social workers and a team of other qualified childcare experts.

Some of the Child Protection programmes run by the organisation include:

  • Protective behaviour programme – which gives children and young people skills to protect themselves, know and fully understand their rights and responsibilities.
  • Cyber-safety training for children and young people – educating them about online dangers and how to use technology safely.
  • Schools and Early Childhood Development Campaigns – Equipping educators and learners with knowledge on different types of abuse and how to report and respond.
  • Positive parenting programmes – to improve the quality of care to children and prevent abuse in families.
  • Awareness campaigns – run throughout the year which educating children, caregivers, parents, and communities about abuse and how to report incidents.

It is possible to build a more sustainable and equitable future for tomorrow’s adults. It starts with strengthening families so that children can grow up with stability.

Society must provide increased social protection services and direct support to struggling families so that they can stay together, when that isn’t possible, strong alternative care is provided by organisations such as SOS.

This year, the campaign encourages all South Africans to wear a green ribbon to show support for victims and survivors, and to highlight the collective responsibility of keeping vulnerable children safe.

 

End.

About SOS Children’s Villages South Africa

SOS Children’s Villages is an independent, non-governmental organisation that advocates for the rights of South Africa’s most marginalised children. We offer loving, family-like care for children and young people who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care. Established in 1984, SOS has seven Children’s Villages and three Social Centres across eight provinces.

 

Each year our Alternative Care, Family Strengthening and Youth Employability programmes provide life-changing support to more than 5 000 children across the country.

The Alternative Care model comprises of four principles that include a mother (each child has a caring parent), brothers and sisters (the family ties grow naturally), a house (a secure place to grow up in) and a village (the SOS family is part of the community).

 

Our Family Strengthening Programme aims to enable children who are at risk of losing the care of their families to grow within a safe family environment, by building the family’s resilience. We work in co-operation with local authorities and other service providers to empower families and communities to effectively protect and care for their children.

 

 

For More Information

 

Contact Seithuto Seakgwa at Seithuto.Seakgwa@sos.org.za. 

                                                                                                             

Issued by:

SOS Children’s Villages in South Africa