​On Wednesday, 09 July 2025, Eastern Corridor Social Workers Phumla Langa, Olga Nkosi, and Thato Ramarou engaged in a conversation with Portia Motaung, host of Morning Essentials on Kasie FM, to discuss services provided by the Gauteng Department of Social Development for children in conflict with the law.
According to Social Worker Phumla Langa, Home-Based Care Supervision is one of the services available for these children.

“This is an intervention aimed at ensuring that children do not re-offend or commit further crimes. Home-based supervision is defined under the Probation Services Act 35 of 2002 as the supervision, under certain conditions, of an arrested, accused, convicted, or sentenced child who is placed in the care of a parent, guardian, or another responsible person, and monitored by an Assistant Probation Officer,” explained Langa.

“This is a way to monitor children within their families and communities. It focuses on family preservation and keeping children within the family system,” she added. Social Auxiliary Worker Olga Nkosi emphasized that Probation Officers are Social Workers whose core responsibility is to protect children in conflict with the law and ensure that their rights are safeguarded.

“The Department of Social Development plays a critical role in safeguarding children. The Department is committed to creating a supportive and protective environment for all children in South Africa by promoting family preservation, helping parents take responsibility for their children, and preventing re-offending,” said Nkosi.

Social Auxiliary Worker Thato Ramarou added that it is essential for parents to be actively involved in their children’s lives.

“Children who experience a sense of belonging and receive adequate care and protection develop higher self-esteem and confidence. Children must understand that they are future leaders, and it is our responsibility to nurture and protect them. It takes a village to raise a child, and we encourage community members to work together to raise and protect children from any form of harm,” said Ramarou.

The Child Protection Campaign, now recognised as a 365-day initiative, encourages all sectors of society to care for and protect children. It highlights the importance of coordinated action across multiple fronts to ensure the safety and well-being of children in South Africa,