Despite progressive laws in place to protect them, children in South Africa remain under siege, confronted with high levels of violence and other social ills. The South African Government News Agency revealed alarming statistics that more than 26 000 cases of child abuse and neglect were reported in the 2024 / 25 financial year.

The News Agency further reveals that in South Africa, nearly 21 million children (34% of the population) live below the age of 18. While the country has made strides in child rights, many children face significant challenges, including poverty, food insecurity, lack of access to education and basic services and exposure to violence. 

Protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only a basic value but also an obligation clearly set out in Article 28 of the South African Constitution, says SOS Children's Villages.

For more than 40 years, SOS Children's Villages in South Africa says it has been providing alternative care and child protection services to over 700 children in our villages, and over 4 500 children in our Family Strengthening Programme (FSP). Our FSP interventions for children are aimed at equipping families to better care for their children, so that complete family breakdown is avoided, and no child should grow up alone.

"It is unacceptable that over 30 years into democracy, we have such high levels of abuse against our children, with over 9 000 cases of sexual abuse, and almost 4 000 cases of physical abuse. We are in a crisis and must act now to protect their future," says Kgomotso Loate, Child Safeguarding Officer at SOS Children's Villages in South Africa.

At every stage of their lives, children at SOS Children's Villages across SA are afforded psychological, emotional and psycho-social care, fully supported by professional social workers and a team of other childcare experts, adds the organisation. 

SOS Children's Villages says that some of its Child Protection programmes include: 

  • Protective Behaviour Programme, which gives children and young people skills to protect themselves and know their rights and responsibilities.
  • Cyber-Safety Training for Children and Young People to educate them about online dangers and how to use technology safely.
  • Awareness Campaigns to educate children, caregivers, parents, and community about abuse and how to report incidents.
  • Schools and Early Childhood Development Campaigns, which equip educators and learners with knowledge on different types of abuse and how to report and respond.
  • Positive Parenting Programmes to improve the quality of care for children and prevent abuse in families.

SOS Children's Villages concludes that it is possible to build a more sustainable and equitable future for tomorrow's adults. It starts with strengthening families so that children can grow up with stability. We must provide increased social protection services and direct support to struggling families so they can stay together. When that isn't possible, strong alternative care is provided by organisations such as SOS.

For more information, visit www.sossouthafrica.org.za. You can also follow SOS Children's Villages South Africa on Facebook, LinkedIn or on X.

*Image courtesy of contributor