​On Wednesday, 14 May 2025,the community of Etwatwa responded to the call for action as the Gauteng Department of Social Development (Benoni Office) hosted a Child Protection Awareness event at Tshepo-Themba Community Hall in the Eastern Corridor. The Department partnered with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Benoni to educate the public on critical issues affecting children, such as neglect and sexual violence.

Addressing the community, Social Worker Thabisile Shabalala provided insights into child neglect and how the department intervenes when a child is left unattended or endangered.

“Many parents tend to leave children locked inside the house at night to attend social gatherings. As Social Workers, when we find that a child is not cared for, we assess the situation within the family, its relatives, and the neighbours,” she explained.

Shabalala added that the Department explores various alternative care options, including foster care, adoption services, parenting skills training, and mediation to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.

Constable Goenetsi Moraba, from SAPS Benoni’s Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, shared how they respond when a child is reported to be sexually abused.

“The first thing we do is advise the parent not to panic. We then take the child to a nearby clinic for a medical examination to determine whether any sexual violation has occurred,” said Moraba.

He further explained the legal process:

“We use the doctor’s report to complete a J88 form. This form is submitted to the magistrate’s court as evidence to determine the nature and complexity of the offence.” Constable Moraba stressed that SAPS treats all cases of child abuse with utmost seriousness, whether emotional or physical,
 

“There are lawful ways to discipline a child, but we intervene when we find that a child has been harmed or beaten, whether by a parent or any other community member,” he added.

Throughout the month of May, the South African government commemorates Child Protection Week, an important time to raise awareness about the rights of children as enshrined in the Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005).. Supported by UNICEF, the initiative includes various programmes and campaigns aimed at preventing the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children.