South Africa Should Address Violence Against Children

Safeguard Children's Rights, Protect Children From All Forms of Violence

South Africa is observing Child Protection Week. This annual campaign raises awareness about children's safety and wellbeing. Recent violent attacks show that many children remain unprotected.

Despite laws like the constitution and the Children's Act, violence against children persists. Reports indicate that cases are becoming increasingly brutal. Many incidents go unreported or do not make headlines.

These events reveal a weakened protection system for children in South Africa. High levels of school-related sexual violence continue to be reported. There is also a rise in child neglect and abuse by parents and partners.

High-profile cases include six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who went missing over a year ago. Her mother was recently convicted for her kidnapping and trafficking. Another case involved a 7-year-old girl known as "Cwecwe," which gained media attention. An 8-day-old baby, Caithlyn Ferreira, was raped and killed by her father. Additionally, 15-year-old Sandisa Myeza was assaulted at school by another student.

In the last five years, nearly 3,000 children were reported missing, according to Save the Children South Africa. The Teddy Bear Foundation reported that only four percent of over 5,000 child abuse cases led to convictions from 2019 to 2024.

From January to March this year, the South African Police Service recorded 60 rape cases at schools. Fifty-four victims were students; most were raped by peers or acquaintances. During this same period, there were also 26,852 reports of child abuse and neglect.

As Child Protection Week concludes, urgent action is needed from authorities. They must implement sustained interventions for children's safety and wellbeing as outlined in the constitution and Children's Act. Authorities should enhance support services for families and communities affected by violence against children.

Nomathamsanqa Masiko-Mpaka, Researcher