​“Would you allow this to happen to your child?” and “Don’t block your ears; hear us out!” were the powerful messages echoed during a children’s march hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development in collaboration with child protection groups. The event provided a platform for children to express their safety concerns directly to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, and Gauteng Social Development MEC Faith Mazibuko on Sunday, 01 June 2025.


The march took place as South Africa observed Child Protection Awareness Month and the world marked International Children's Day theme: "Inclusion, for Every Child.". It began at Pieter Roos Park and proceeded to the Constitutional Court, where the children shared their concerns with Minister Kubayi and representatives from the Office of the Chief Justice.


The children raised urgent concerns about sexual offense cases that are repeatedly delayed due to backlogs in DNA testing, disrupting their education and prolonging trauma. They also voiced dissatisfaction with the low conviction rates and lenient sentencing for sexual crimes.


A child from Othandweni Children’s Orphanage Home in Soweto appealed for equal treatment: “Children in orphanages deserve the same respect and protection as others. It’s not our fault we lost our parents—we still deserve safety and dignity.”


Participants also criticized the justice system for granting bail too easily to individuals accused of child abuse and sexual offenses.


Responding to their concerns, Minister Kubayi said she is reviewing the Criminal Procedure Act to strengthen bail conditions. “Magistrates and judges must operate within the law, which is why we’re working on legal reforms, ”she said. She also revealed that, alongside Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, her department is closely monitoring sexual offense cases and tracking conviction rates through Nat Joints.


Kubayi gave her assurance that efforts are underway to strengthen the justice system, improve sentencing outcomes, and tighten bail conditions. She also addressed the alarming issue of child trafficking.


“We need to unite as a community to end the growing trend of mothers selling their children,” she urged.


MEC Faith Mazibuko said the event was organised to give children a voice and ensure their concerns reach the highest levels of justice leadership. She stressed the need to fast-track cases to avoid forcing children to endure prolonged court appearances, missed school days, and secondary victimization due to delays, lost documents, and outstanding DNA results. “In some cases, childrenfacesecondaryvictimisation due to inadequate protection. They may even encounter their abusers in court, making them fearful to speak out,” said Mazibuko.


She expressed hope that the Minister of Justice would speed up the implementation of child-friendly court rooms that are welcoming to young victims and survivors of gender-based violence. Mazibuko also called for the public disclosure of the Sexual Offenders Register to better protect children in schools and Child and Youth Care Centres.


Teddy Bear Foundation Clinic Director, Shaheda Omar, also addressed the march, highlighting that many children continue to endure sexual and physical abuse despite the existence of protective laws such as the Children’s Act, Criminal Law Amendment Act, and Justice Act. “Too few cases result in convictions, ”she said.


Meanwhile, Sakhile Mbatha of Scouts South Africa commended MEC Mazibuko for initiating such impactful events, encouraging her to continue. “These marches are being taken seriously by stakeholders, including the media and government and that shows they are making a difference,” he said.