As Child Protection Month gets underway, the Gauteng Provincial Government has placed the protection of children at the centre of its agenda, vowing intensified action against statutory rape, teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence.
Observed annually in May, the campaign is more than a calendar event, it is a call to confront the lived realities of vulnerable children across communities.
Through the Gauteng Department of Social Development, officials say efforts are now shifting from policy commitments to visible, community-level intervention.
“While South Africa has a strong legislative framework aimed at protecting children, the Department is prioritising the effective implementation of these laws through practical, community-based interventions,” the department said.
At the heart of this year’s campaign is a sharpened focus on statutory rape and teenage pregnancy, issues authorities say are closely linked to broader patterns of gender-based violence.
“The campaign is grounded in Section 28 of the South African Constitution and a range of child protection laws that reaffirm the state’s obligation to protect children’s rights and ensure their wellbeing and development.”
Government says integrated services are being expanded under the 365 Days Child Protection Programme of Action, bringing social workers, law enforcement, schools and civil society closer to communities most in need.
“These initiatives enable residents to access social work support, psychosocial services, reporting mechanisms and educational awareness programmes directly within their communities,” the department said.
Outreach efforts in schools and communities are also being strengthened to empower children with knowledge of their rights, while confronting harmful social norms that enable abuse.
In response to rising teenage pregnancies, authorities say collaboration with the health and education sectors is being deepened to improve access to youth-friendly services, with early detection and reporting of abuse identified as critical.
“Early identification and reporting of abuse remain key priorities, supported by the deployment of social workers to strengthen case management and ensure timely interventions.”
Other state bodies have echoed the call. The South African Police Service (SAPS) warned that gaps in reporting and case management continue to undermine efforts to protect children.
“Ending violence against children requires a coordinated, whole-of-society approach,” SAPS said, urging communities to play an active role in prevention and response.
Meanwhile, the Border Management Authority said it is placing particular focus on the movement of minors through ports of entry, stressing the importance of vigilance during the month.
“Child Protection Month is commemorated annually… to mobilise all sectors of society to safeguard children, address persistent social ills and strengthen areas requiring focused intervention.”
Despite strengthened efforts, government acknowledges that underreporting, silence and socio-economic pressures continue to leave many children at risk.
“Child Protection Month serves as a reminder that safeguarding children is a shared responsibility that requires collective action from all sectors of society.”