
Silence and stigma failing SA's children
JOHANNESBURG - Child Protection Week highlights the hidden pandemic of child abuse.
READ | National Child Protection Week kicks off as abuse crisis deepens
Shame, silence, and stigma continue to fail our children. Disclosure is often ignored or blame shifted from perpetrators to victims.
Empowerment Manager at ReStory Foundation Natalie Naude spoke to eNCA.

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The Citizen
19 hours ago
- The Citizen
Dr Yusuf Dadoo shines spotlight on child safety
To ensure çhild safety, Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital's Social Work Department hosted the Child Protection Awareness Campaign recently. • Also read: 260 arrested for crimes committed against women and children According to the project co-ordinator, Madi Mononela, the purpose was to engage caregivers, professionals and community members on the issues regarding child abuse and neglect. The day was also meant to encourage a collective action to safeguard children. There is a sterling need to promote a safe, loving, and supportive environment for the young ones, where they can feel protected, empowered, and free to grow up with good memories that shape their future positively.' As usual, a green ribbon was the order of the day, symbolising an alarm to promote child safety. One of the parents present, Poppy Gone, advised on continuous awareness as it is a great initiative. 'Children are the future generation that needs to be protected from bullies and all manner of attacks at all times,' she said. National Child Protection Week is commemorated in the country annually to raise awareness of the rights of children according to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the Children's Act (Act No. 38 of 2005). The week is an important event on the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) calendar and has been celebrated in South Africa since 1997. Madi added that the campaign is led by the Department of Social Development in partnership with key government departments and civil society organisations, rendering child protection services. 'The government calls on all South Africans to support Child Protection Week by ensuring that the most vulnerable in our society do not suffer abuse. It is in our hands to stop the cycle of neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation of children. 'Children in South Africa live in a society with a Constitution that has the highest regard for their rights and the equality and dignity of everyone. 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.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Bertha Gxowa Hospital launches Child Protection Week with awareness walk
The Bertha Gxowa Hospital Care Centre launched Child Protection Week with a 5km and 10km walk through Germiston, raising awareness about child safety and the rights of minors. Stakeholders, including government departments and community organisations, addressed the public before heading into nearby communities to educate and engage with them. The event marks the start of a week-long campaign running from May 28 to June 4, focused on child protection, as outlined in the Children's Act of 2005. ALSO READ: Bertha Gxowa Hospital honours staff for excellence Sister Hazel Moagi, operational manager at Ekurhuleni Clinical Forensic Medical Services and lead organiser, highlighted the importance of early reporting and awareness. 'Lack of information delays reporting. Our goal is to ensure victims understand what constitutes abuse and where to seek help,' she said. Moagi noted that many children are unaware they are being abused, especially when the perpetrator is someone they trust. 'Some children witness domestic violence, which normalises abuse. This can result in behavioural issues and, eventually, more harm to others.' The centre plans to eliminate child neglect and abuse through community education and by encouraging open communication between parents and children. Moagi also warned against informal agreements between families in cases of abuse and stressed the need for strict enforcement of protective legislation. MMC for Developmental Planning and Real Estate, Ald Nomadlozi Nkosi, joined the march and called on parents and educators to play an active role. ALSO READ: Bertha Gxowa Hospital spreads awareness on TB 'Recent cases, like that of Joslin Smith, show the need for vigilance. Our city will be hosting an awareness programme with crèche owners to reinforce child safety,' she said. Germiston SAPS station commander Nonhlanhla Shezi confirmed that the station is equipped to handle child abuse cases through its specialised Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit. 'We urge parents to be aware of what is happening in their homes. Abuse can happen anywhere, regardless of status,' said Shezi. About National Child Protection Week First observed in 1997, National Child Protection Week aims to mobilise society to uphold the rights of children as guaranteed by the Children's Act, the Constitution, and international conventions. While the Department of Social Development spearheads the campaign, every citizen is urged to take responsibility for child protection. Support services available Department of Social Development (24-hour helpline): 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV) Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555 Child Welfare South Africa: 0861 4 CHILD (24453) / 011 452 4110 Email: info@ These platforms offer free support and counselling to victims of abuse. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Remains of missing toddler Kutlwano Shalaba found in shallow grave
Kutlwano Shalaba's remains were found in a shallow grave in Bekkersdal as police arrested a sangoma and his mother for murder and trafficking. The body of missing toddler Kutlwano Shalaba was found in a shallow grave six months after going missing, with his mother and a sangoma facing murder and human trafficking charges. During Child Protection Week, Gauteng police discovered the body of a child suspected to be the two-year-old who went missing in November 2024. Kutlwano was initially reported missing by his mother, Keneilwe Shalaba. The mother claimed that they were getting out of a taxi in Tshirela, near the Dr Nhlapo stop sign, in Boipatong, when three men approached them in a silver-grey VW Polo. Kutlwano Shalaba's remains found in shallow grave The police reported, at the time, that the suspect grabbed the child and sped off in a car, leaving Keneilwe devastated. However, during investigations, the police uncovered that the mother was involved in Kutlwano's disappearance. Police arrested Keneilwe and the Vanderbiljpark Magistrate's Court denied her bail in April, keeping her behind bars. During her bail hearing, prosecutors revealed that Keneilwe allegedly received, R750 000 into her account on the same day she reported Kutlwano missing. ALSO READ: Gauteng toddler snatched from mother as they climb off taxi The Sedibeng Ster reported that investigators believe she may have sold her son and reported the kidnapping as a cover-up, with further evidence suggesting she tried to orchestrate a ransom demand. Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said on Friday that a second suspect, a man believed to be a sangoma, was arrested on Thursday in connection with the toddler's disappearance. During preliminary investigations, he guided the police to a shallow grave at Waterpan Road near R28 in Bekkersdal, where they discovered the remains of a toddler. Sangoma arrested on Thursday 'The remains are suspected to be of Kutlwano, but a DNA analysis will be performed to determine the identity of the corpse,' Sibeko said. The mother and the Sangoma will appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court on Monday, 2 June 2025, to answer to charges of murder and human trafficking. Missing Children South Africa reports that a child goes missing every five hours in South Africa. NOW READ: Joshlin joins long list of missing girls in South Africa