Latest news with #ChildProtectionMonth
eNCA
a day ago
- Health
- eNCA
Working together in ending violence against children
JOHANNESBURG - Child Protection Month highlights concerns over child violence in South Africa. Children are under siege from predators who rape and sexual assault them in their communities. This calls for urgent and effective protection measures.
eNCA
3 days ago
- Health
- eNCA
Dealing with the trauma of child abuse
JOHANNESBURG - Recent cases of child abuse and rape have triggered nationwide outrage and calls for tougher sentences. This Child Protection Month, the Children's Hospital Trust is highlighting the need to safeguard children. Doctors at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital say treating physical injuries is the easy part. That's the focus of their Child Protection Service Improvement Project. For more on this, we're joined by the Trust's CEO, Chantel Cooper.
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The South African
23-05-2025
- Health
- The South African
Child abuse, teen pregnancy surge in KZN [video]
In the first quarter of 2025, KwaZulu-Natal recorded 3 653 cases of child abuse and neglect. The Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, warned that the province is also struggling with high rates of teenage pregnancy. 'Umkhanyakude District Municipality is one of municipalities that are still battling with teenage pregnancy with a record of 11 deliveries for children between 10 – 14 years', said DSD spokesperson, Nomfundo Xulu-Lentsoane. She said the statistics were recorded between January to March 2025. According to Xulu-Lentsoane, 741 children between the ages of 15 and 19-years-old gave birth in KZN during the same period. Read the full version of the ' Minister flags staggering child abuse stats in KZN' article. Since the beginning of May, Minister Tolashe has been visiting various parts of the country to raise awareness about Child Protection Month. Today, 23 May 2025, she is taking the campaign to a town bordering eSwatini, Manguzi in KwaZulu-Natal. 'The Minister is the champion of the District Development Model and will be raising awareness on the plight of children in that area. While bringing all services of the department and its agencies, the South African Social Security Agency and the National Development Agency', said Xulu-Lentsoane Looking for quick updates? Watch News in a Minute videos on The South African's YouTube page for all the key stories you need to know! Catch all the latest videos on news, lifestyle, travel, sports and more – there's always something to watch! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky to stay connected and get your news on the go!
The South African
23-05-2025
- Health
- The South African
Minister flags staggering child abuse stats in KZN
In the first quarter of 2025, KwaZulu-Natal recorded 3 653 cases of child abuse and neglect. The Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, warned that the province is also struggling with high rates of teenage pregnancy. 'Umkhanyakude District Municipality is one of municipalities that are still battling with teenage pregnancy with a record of 11 deliveries for children between 10 – 14 years', said DSD spokesperson, Nomfundo Xulu-Lentsoane. She said the statistics were recorded between January to March 2025. According to Xulu-Lentsoane, 741 children between the ages of 15 and 19-years-old gave birth in KZN during the same period. Since the beginning of May, Minister Tolashe has been visiting various parts of the country to raise awareness about Child Protection Month. Today, 23 May 2025, she is taking the campaign to a town bordering eSwatini, Manguzi in KwaZulu-Natal. 'The Minister is the champion of the District Development Model and will be raising awareness on the plight of children in that area. While bringing all services of the department and its agencies, the South African Social Security Agency and the National Development Agency', said Xulu-Lentsoane. 'The Minister will be bringing all services of the DSD, including substance abuse prevention and Non-Profit Organisation compliance', Xulu-Lentsoane continued. She said other stakeholders like the Director General of Social Development, Peter Netshipale, the Acting CEO of Sassa, Themba Matlou as well as the Acting CEO of NDA, Thabani Buthelezi, will also be at the roadshow to assist the public with their needs. Additionally, Xulu-Lentsoane said members of the community will be able to make Sassa applications for all social grants. GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AND FEMICIDE REMAINS A CONCERN FOR KZN The department spokesperson said Minister Tolashe will also be meeting with the traditional leadership of Manguzi. She is anticipating that they will work as partners in the fight against Gender Based violence and Femicide. 'Minister Tolashe also co-chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the 90-day acceleration to fight against Gender Based violence and Femicide', she said. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS CAUSING TEENAGE PREGNANCY STATS TO RISE DESPITE SA OFFERING FREE BIRTH CONTROL? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Understanding foreign body aspiration: a hidden danger for children during Child Protection Month
Professor Pierre Goussard Image: Supplied As Child Protection Month draws to a close, South Africans are reminded that safeguarding a child is not limited to protecting them from abuse, neglect or emotional trauma. It also includes defending them against hidden yet deadly physical dangers – such as foreign body aspiration, a condition that is tragically common and often misdiagnosed. 'Foreign body aspiration is an important factor or condition to discuss during Child Protection Month. It is a condition that can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Children can die as a result of inhaling foreign bodies,' said Professor Pierre Goussard, Head of Clinical Unit: Paediatric Pulmonology and PICU at Tygerberg Hospital (TBH) and Stellenbosch University, and Chair of the Tygerberg Hospital Children Trust. Foreign body aspiration occurs when a child accidentally inhales an object into their airway. It can happen in an instant – while eating, playing, or crawling – and is especially common in children under three. At this age, kids explore their environment by putting things in their mouths, have underdeveloped chewing abilities, and often eat while moving or playing. Prof. Goussard completing one of his many races Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Nuts, seeds, popcorn, Lego pieces, toy whistles, and lollipops are just some of the hazardous items commonly involved. The result can be immediate choking, turning blue, or struggling to breathe. In other cases, symptoms are more subtle – persistent coughing, chest infections or even signs that mimic tuberculosis. 'A typical acute history would be someone playing and then suddenly having a choking episode, turning blue, and developing respiratory symptoms,' said Goussard. 'There should be significant awareness of this condition. Especially the age groups and the clinical presentations of the life-threatening event.' He stressed the importance of prevention: supervise children while eating and playing; avoid giving small children hard foods, popcorn, or any kind of nut; keep small toy parts out of reach; cut food into small, manageable pieces. This vital message forms part of a broader awareness and fundraising campaign led by Goussard. He is currently raising funds to purchase an Olympus bronchoscope for the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at Tygerberg Hospital. 'The hospital acts as a referral centre for complicated cases, including diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, complicated pneumonia, and complicated respiratory pathologies and congenital lesions. Prof. Goussard needs your help Image: Supplied 'Bronchoscopes are used to investigate the airways of sick very small babies and children to improve the diagnostic abilities for tuberculosis and malignancy, which are often diagnosed late. It is also used for interventional procedures. "We teach many SA doctors, as well as those from other African countries, who are then able to assist their communities on their return home. Children from these neighbouring countries are often brought to the TBH to receive specialised medical care," he explained. Goussard is combining his passion for paediatrics with his love of running to fundraise for this cause. 'I am an avid marathon runner, having completed 50-plus marathons, including the Paris (x4), Berlin (x2), London (x1), Rome (x3), Prague (x1) marathons, as well as the Stoos Trail (x2) and the ultra-marathon of Gornergrat Zermatt in Switzerland. 'Please support this fundraising campaign by donating for every kilometre that I will run.' So far, he has raised 9% of his R400 000 target. To contribute, visit his Back-a-Buddy page: Weekend Argus
