Child Protection Week “Working together to end violence against children. – 18.06.25

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

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

Despite progressive laws in place to protect them, children in South Africa remain under siege, confronted with high levels of violence and other social ills. The South African Government News Agency revealed alarming statistics that more than 26 000 cases of child abuse and neglect were reported in the 2024/25 financial year.

The News Agency further reveals that in South Africa, 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. 

Protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only a basic value but also an obligation clearly 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 over 4500 children in our Family Strengthening Programme (FSP). Our FSP interventions for children are aimed at equipping families to better care for their children, so that complete family breakdown is avoided, so that no child should grow up alone.

“It is unacceptable that over 30 years into democracy, we have such high levels of abuse against our children, with over 9000 cases of sexual abuse, and almost 4000 cases of physical abuse. We are in a crisis and must act now to protect their future, 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, psycho-social care, fully supported by professional social workers and a team of other childcare experts.

Some of our Child Protection programmes include:

  • Protective behaviour programme – which gives children and young people skills to protect themselves and know their rights and responsibilities
  • Cyber-safety training for children and young people – educate them about online dangers and how to use technology safely
  • Awareness campaigns – educate children, caregivers, parents, and community about abuse and how to report incidents
  • Schools and Early Childhood Development Campaigns – Equip 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

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

 

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 eight 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