Edumbe: Social Development Minister, Sisisi Tolashe, has called for urgent and coordinated national action to protect children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, warning that rising cases of child sexual abuse and teenage pregnancy remain a 'national disgrace'.
According to South African Government News Agency, Tolashe addressed the issue at the official launch of Child Protection Month in eDumbe Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal. She emphasized the need to protect children, describing the current situation as a battle to defend children from harm.
The event took place in an area with historical significance, where the Minister referenced the Battle of Isandlwana as a metaphor for courage and resistance, drawing parallels with the current fight to protect children. Tolashe expressed concern over increasing reports of child abuse and exploitation, citing national data that indicates an upward trend in such cases.
She highlighted the alarming number of child sexual exploitation cases, alongside increasing statutory rape cases. Teenage pregnancy was also a significant concern, with over 100,000 children and teenagers facing unintended pregnancies annually. In KwaZulu-Natal alone, 375 pregnancies among children aged 10 to 14 were reported in the 2025/2026 third quarter.
While acknowledging some improvements in adolescent birth rates, Tolashe described the problem as unacceptable, noting that South Africa's adolescent pregnancy rate is significantly above the global average. She called for a collective effort to address this issue.
The Minister outlined the goals of the Child Protection Month Programme, which aims to mobilize society to address child vulnerability, abuse, neglect, and harmful practices. She referenced recent actions in KwaMaphumulo, where children were removed from the Ikhaya Labafundi Mission, emphasizing the government's commitment to act decisively when children's rights are violated.
Tolashe stressed the importance of collaboration between government, traditional leaders, faith-based organizations, and communities, noting that protecting children is a collective responsibility. She highlighted progress in social protection over the past 30 years, including expanded child grants and improved access to education.
The Minister urged parents and caregivers to report abuse cases rather than conceal them, warning against transactional abuse driven by poverty. She called for perpetrators to face the full force of the law, particularly in cases of statutory rape, gender-based violence, and femicide.
Tolashe concluded by launching the 2026 Child Protection Month Programme, calling for stronger partnerships and sustained efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.
