Central SA
Statistics of child abuse in Central South Africa big concern─── ZENANDE MPAME 11:10 Mon, 12 May 2025
Statistics have revealed that more than 26,000 cases of child neglect and abuse have been reported in the 2024/25 financial year.
This was revealed at the launch of the Child Protection Month by the Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, at Refentse Primary school in Thaba Nchu on Sunday (11/5).
Child Protection Month was launched under the theme, “Working together in ending violence against children,” and it is part of a five-year global commitment to ending violence against children by the year 2030.
A total of 1,136 cases of child abuse and neglect were reported in the Free State, 316 in the Northern Cape, and 751 in the North West.
“The country is deeply concerned about the levels of violence against children,” said Tolashe. “Cases of sexual abuse remain dominant in all provinces, with 9,859 cases throughout the country.”
“Deliberate neglect is the second most prevalent in all provinces, with 9,485 cases, followed by physical abuse with 3,965 recorded cases and 595 cases of abandonment.
“Children falling pregnant as young as ten to 14 years old is a concern and shows the deep-rooted evil against children who are sexually abused and sexually exploited,” she said.
Free State Social Development MEC Mathabo Leeto called for collective responsibility in child protection and added that the department will be organising other programmes that will involve more parents, particularly those who are neglecting their parental duties.
The launch aimed to raise awareness and empower children, parents, and the local community to take action against child abuse. “It also focused on targeted interventions that address the social ills affecting the lives of children in Thaba Nchu,” said Free State Department of Social Development spokesperson Thembile Nqabeni.
‘Plagued by high rates of child sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation’
Thaba Nchu was chosen as the location of the event because it is a region plagued by high rates of child sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation. In response, the department decided to organise the event to provide education and information that will help protect children from risk factors and build their resilience, he said
Parents, guardians, and children were also empowered on how to partner with the Department of Social Development, law enforcement authorities, and stakeholders to protect children through a multi-disciplinary approach of preventing abuse and exploitation.
