Parliamentary Committee Reaffirms Commitment to Child Protection Amidst Growing Concerns

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Parliament, South Africa – In a session held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the Portfolio Committee on Social Development reiterated its unwavering commitment to promoting child protection laws and policies across South Africa. This reaffirmation follows the recent, distressing disappearance and trafficking of six-year-old Joslin Smith in Saldanha Bay, a case that has profoundly shocked the nation and underscored the critical need for robust child protection measures.

The committee convened with a delegation from the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, Dr. Najat M’jid, and representatives from the Department of Social Development, led by Minister Ms. Sisisi Tolashe. South Africa, through its Department of Social Development, holds a significant role as a pathfinding country in the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, collaborating with the World Health Organization and UNICEF.

During the meeting, the Department of Social Development presented its South Africa Country Report on Commitments and Pledges from the Bogota Conference, detailing progress and identifying bottlenecks in efforts to end violence against children. A key highlight was the inclusion of Pillar 7, specifically focusing on child protection, within the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Furthermore, the report revealed that Cabinet is actively responding to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s urgent call for a 90-day turnaround plan, aiming to implement impactful child protection programs at both local and departmental levels. This plan, co-chaired by the Departments of Social Development and Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, has established seven workstreams, with progress reports expected at National Joint Intelligence Operations.

Dr. M’jid commended South Africa’s advancements in child protection but emphasized the crucial need for all plans and pledges to be thoroughly costed, meticulously implemented, and rigorously monitored and evaluated to ensure their effectiveness.

Despite progress, the committee identified significant gaps in the accessibility of child protection information and services, particularly between urban and rural areas. It was noted that government services often fail to reach rural communities, where high incidences of violence against children and sexual abuse by family members frequently go unreported, leading to severe and irreversible harm. The committee also voiced grave concerns regarding the exclusion of street children from government and public participation programs, as well as parental neglect often linked to drug addiction, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive parenting programs and family education on child protection.

The committee expressed satisfaction with the department’s report and its strides in fulfilling commitments made at the Bogota Conference. Moving forward, the committee pledged to maintain rigorous oversight over the implementation of these child protection actions and plans, ensuring their monitoring and intended impact are fully realized.