Latest news with #ChildProtectionWeek
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Child Protection Week: Growing calls for tougher sentences for child abuse offenders
Joburg Child Welfare is calling for decisive action and tougher sentencing as Saps highlights recent life sentences for sexual offenders. JCW and other non-profit organisations marched to the Department of Justice on Sunday, 1 June. Picture: Supplied As South Africa marks Child Protection Week to raise awareness about children's rights and safety, non-profit organisation Joburg Child Welfare (JCW) has called for harsher punishments for perpetrators of child abuse. This year's theme, 'Working together in ending violence against children', urges all South Africans to unite in protecting children from harm. South Africa marks Child Protection Week from 29 May to 5 June 2025. As part of the week's activities, JCW and other non-profit organisations marched to the Department of Justice on Sunday, 1 June. Child Protection Week 'With more than 26 000 cases of child abuse and neglect reported in the 2024-25 financial year, according to the Department of Social Development, it is high time that we emphasise more comprehensive approaches to strengthen children's protective environments,' said Abubakr Hattas, CEO of JCW. The organisation said the march aimed to demand the urgent implementation of tougher penalties for child abuse offenders, particularly those involved in Schedule 6 crimes. ALSO READ: Gauteng man arrested for illegal initiation school and taking in children 'This march aimed to raise national awareness and signal to lawmakers that the current sentencing regime fails to reflect the gravity of the harm inflicted on children,' Hattas said in a statement on Tuesday. 'We demand a justice system that not only protects, but actively deters violence against children.' JCW and other non-profit organisations marched to the Department of Justice on Sunday, 1 June. Picture: Supplied. March demanding stricter sentences for abusers The CEO said strong child protection offers a safeguard against the many risks and vulnerabilities that can lead to harm and abuse. This means backing initiatives that teach kids the importance of boundaries and respect for one another, while also educating them about their rights to safety and protection, Hattas said. 'South Africa has strong legislation and a national action plan to prevent and address violence against children, indicating urgent commitment to the protection of children's rights. However, laws and policies by themselves are insufficient; they are ineffective without enforcement,' he said. ALSO READ: Violence against children soars despite strong laws Hattas added that society needs to build a stronger consensus and show greater intolerance for abuse and violence to truly protect children. 'Acceptance of violence against children undermines protective norms and practices, sharply increasing children's vulnerability to violations of their rights,' Hattas concluded. 'More must be done to advocate for and protect the rights of every child and young people in the country.' Recent arrests and sentences for child sexual offenders Amid Child Protection Week, the South African Police Service (Saps) has highlighted the recent harsher sentences and arrests against perpetrators who committed crimes against children. Police arrested a 50-year-old man in Brackenfell, Cape Town, on multiple charges, including sexual exploitation, grooming, and facilitating the production of child pornography. ALSO READ: Parents sentenced for murder and abuse of one-year-old daughter Saps spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi said the Free State Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Unit traced the suspect to the Western Cape after conducting an extensive investigation into cyber sexual crimes against minors. Recently, a father of three has been sentenced to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting his children, aged between three and 13 years. The conviction comes after the children's mother reported the case to the Benoni police on 4 August 2021. The Benoni Regional Court found the father guilty on multiple charges, including rape, sexual assault, compelling or causing a minor to masturbate, and exposing genital organs, Pastor sentenced to 2 life terms Furthermore, on 26 May 2025, the Edenburg Regional Court sentenced a 47-year-old pastor to two life terms of imprisonment after finding him guilty of raping a 12-year-old girl. 'As South Africa observes Child Protection Week, the Saps remains committed and dedicated to protecting children's rights and ensuring justice for victims of sexual crimes,' Mukhathi said. NOW READ: South Africans demand #JusticeforCwecwe in nationwide protests (VIDEOS)
Eyewitness News
10 hours ago
- General
- Eyewitness News
Child Protection Week: Missing teenager the silver bullet to reinforce safety
CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape says it hopes the disappearance of 16-year-old Channelle Plaatjies during Child Protection Week will be the spark that brings about change to protect young lives. The community of Paarl East has rallied to search for the teen, who was reported missing last week. During a search on Monday, police discovered the body of a person in a bushy area behind Allandale Prison in Paarl. However, the body is yet to be positively identified, and an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Social Development, Wendy Kaizer-Philander, said, "It is with deep sorrow that we as the Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape stand with the Plaatjies family and the broader Paarl community in this time of anguish and uncertainty. We remain resolute to protect every child in this province through the various parliamentary processes."
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- General
- The Citizen
Benoni man handed life imprisonment for raping his children
The Benoni Regional Court recently sentenced a father of three children, aged between three and 13, to life imprisonment. Benoni City Times reports that the conviction comes during Child Protection Week, observed from May 29 to June 5. It raises awareness about child abuse and the importance of reporting incidents. The Benoni father was found guilty and sentenced for rape, sexual assault, compelling or causing a child to witness an act of self-masturbation and exposure or display of genital organs. The harrowing ordeal came to light on August 4, 2021, when the mother of the victims reported a rape case at Benoni SAPS. Her suspicions were raised after she heard one of her children screaming: 'Daddy, you are hurting me.' Upon questioning the child, the child disclosed the abuse, which also led to the revelation that her siblings had also been victims. According to SAPS Ekurhuleni District Communication Officer Captain Nelda Sekgobela, the father would touch or rub the children's private parts and insert his finger in their private parts. The case was assigned to Detective Captain Anrika Bell of the Benoni Family Violence, Child Protection Services and Sexual Offences Unit, who diligently investigated the case and secured the conviction. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
17 hours ago
- The Citizen
Stand up for children: Support Child Protection Week 2025
Child Protection Week is an annual campaign in South Africa aimed at raising awareness about the rights of children and the importance of protecting them from abuse, neglect, violence, and exploitation. It is a time to promote collective responsibility for the safety and well-being of every child. In 2025, Child Protection Week will be observed from May 29 to June 5. While the week helps focus national attention, child protection must be a daily commitment. Children face risks throughout the year, and safeguarding their rights requires ongoing vigilance, education, and action from individuals, families, communities, and institutions. Ongoing efforts are essential to break cycles of abuse and create a safer, more supportive society for future generations. Here is how you can get it: Know the law and your duty South Africa's Constitution and the Children's Act (Act No. 38 of 2005) place a legal and moral obligation on every adult to protect children. Understanding Article 28 of the Constitution, which guarantees every child the right to protection from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation, is the first step towards meaningful action. Be the eyes and ears If you witness or suspect abuse, don't stay silent. Reporting abuse can save lives. Know the signs of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. Children may not always speak out, but their behaviour often does. Empower children with knowledge Teach children about their rights in age-appropriate ways. Equip them with the tools to speak up and seek help if they feel unsafe at home, at school, or online. Trusted adults, teachers and caregivers must create safe spaces for these conversations. Support child-focused organisations Donate, volunteer, or partner with NGOs and community organisations working in child protection. Their work is vital and often under-resourced. Use your skills, time or platforms to make a difference. Keep an eye on digital dangers Online grooming, bullying, and exploitation are increasing threats. Monitor children's online activities, activate parental controls, and have open conversations about internet safety. Make child safety everyone's business Encourage schools, religious institutions, sports clubs, and community groups to observe Child Protection Week. Hosting workshops, poster drives, or awareness talks can amplify the message that every child matters. Break the silence on abuse Stigma and silence perpetuate abuse. Survivors and allies must be supported to speak out. Share real stories (with consent) during Child Protection Week to shine a light on both the pain and the hope of recovery. Challenge harmful norms Cultural practices or social beliefs should never justify child abuse. Take a stand against harmful traditions, bullying, and gender-based violence in all its forms. Lead by example Children watch what we do more than what we say. Show respect, kindness and non-violence in your own actions, whether as a parent, neighbour or community leader. Save these vital numbers: Keep these helplines easily accessible and share them in your networks: • Department of Social Development (24/7 GBV Command Centre): 0800 428 428 (Toll-free) • Dial *120*7867# (free from any mobile phone) to request a call-back • Childline South Africa: 116 • Child Welfare South Africa: 0861 4 CHILD (24453) / 011 452-4110 • Email: info@ This year's theme echoes a vital truth: 'It's in our hands to stop the cycle'. Let's build a society where children are protected, nurtured, and given the chance to thrive, not just during Child Protection Week, but every day. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
20 hours ago
- The Citizen
Protect SA's children: Your role matters
Child Protection Week is an annual campaign in South Africa aimed at raising awareness about the rights of children and the importance of protecting them from abuse, neglect, violence, and exploitation. It is a time to promote collective responsibility for the safety and well-being of every child. In 2025, Child Protection Week will be observed from May 29 to June 5. While the week helps focus national attention, child protection must be a daily commitment. Children face risks throughout the year, and safeguarding their rights requires ongoing vigilance, education, and action from individuals, families, communities, and institutions. Ongoing efforts are essential to break cycles of abuse and create a safer, more supportive society for future generations. Here is how you can get it: Know the law and your duty South Africa's Constitution and the Children's Act (Act No. 38 of 2005) place a legal and moral obligation on every adult to protect children. Understanding Article 28 of the Constitution, which guarantees every child the right to protection from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation, is the first step towards meaningful action. Be the eyes and ears If you witness or suspect abuse, don't stay silent. Reporting abuse can save lives. Know the signs of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. Children may not always speak out, but their behaviour often does. Empower children with knowledge Teach children about their rights in age-appropriate ways. Equip them with the tools to speak up and seek help if they feel unsafe at home, at school, or online. Trusted adults, teachers and caregivers must create safe spaces for these conversations. Support child-focused organisations Donate, volunteer, or partner with NGOs and community organisations working in child protection. Their work is vital and often under-resourced. Use your skills, time or platforms to make a difference. Keep an eye on digital dangers Online grooming, bullying, and exploitation are increasing threats. Monitor children's online activities, activate parental controls, and have open conversations about internet safety. Make child safety everyone's business Encourage schools, religious institutions, sports clubs, and community groups to observe Child Protection Week. Hosting workshops, poster drives, or awareness talks can amplify the message that every child matters. Break the silence on abuse Stigma and silence perpetuate abuse. Survivors and allies must be supported to speak out. Share real stories (with consent) during Child Protection Week to shine a light on both the pain and the hope of recovery. Challenge harmful norms Cultural practices or social beliefs should never justify child abuse. Take a stand against harmful traditions, bullying, and gender-based violence in all its forms. Lead by example Children watch what we do more than what we say. Show respect, kindness and non-violence in your own actions, whether as a parent, neighbour or community leader. Save these vital numbers: Keep these helplines easily accessible and share them in your networks: • Department of Social Development (24/7 GBV Command Centre): 0800 428 428 (Toll-free) • Dial *120*7867# (free from any mobile phone) to request a call-back • Childline South Africa: 116 • Child Welfare South Africa: 0861 4 CHILD (24453) / 011 452-4110 • Email: info@ This year's theme echoes a vital truth: 'It's in our hands to stop the cycle'. Let's build a society where children are protected, nurtured, and given the chance to thrive, not just during Child Protection Week, but every day. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
