The Department of Social Development has launched the annual Child Protection Week campaign, emphasizing both the significant strides made in safeguarding children’s rights and the persistent challenges that remain.

“We have come a long way and achieved much as a nation in protecting and promoting the rights of our children, although we still have a number of serious challenges that confront us,” the department stated on Sunday.

This year’s campaign, launched by Minister Lindiwe Zulu in Kimberley, Northern Cape, is being observed under the theme: “Protecting South African Children, 30 Years On.”

“South Africa had to undergo deliberate transformation, and one of the key priorities for the government was to ensure the protection and upholding of human rights, including the rights of children,” the department added.

Government efforts have included substantial investments in children’s services such as education, healthcare, access to clean water, and electricity, alongside the largest social assistance program aimed at protecting children. “As Government, our vision is to make South Africa a place where all children and young people are loved, confident, happy, healthy, and empowered to reach their full potential,” the department stated.

During the launch, Minister Zulu emphasized the importance of education, reflecting on the desires of many parents. “One thing parents said they really want is for their children to take education seriously and remain in school to improve their chances of building a brighter future for themselves and their country,” she said.

Minister Zulu also addressed the pressing issue of violence against children. “One of the major concerns for me is the unacceptably high levels of violence against children in our country. We have all heard of the tragic story of 6-year-old Joslin Smith, who went missing from Saldanha Bay on 19 February and has not been found since. Hers is a sad story shared by many children in our country whose rights are violated and who are robbed of their childhood,” she lamented.

Teenage pregnancy was another critical issue raised by the Minister. “We are deeply concerned about the alarming number of teenage pregnancies across the country, including here in the Northern Cape, with John Taolo Gaetsewe and Frances Baard as leading districts. We must act now to stop this! While we encourage teenage mothers and fathers to remain in school and complete their studies, we must work together to prevent teenage pregnancy in the first place,” she urged.

The department highlighted the importance of family as the “best first line of defense and support in the protection of children,” stressing that this is why deliberate and decisive actions have been taken to implement child- and family-oriented programs over the years.

As Child Protection Week continues, the government and various stakeholders will focus on creating awareness and reinforcing measures to protect and uphold the rights of all South African children, ensuring they grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.