31/05/2026
Limpopo Social Development Commemorates Child Protection Week and International Day of Families with Community Engagement Activities,
Learners from various schools across the Sekhukhune district took to the streets in a vibrant fun walk at Kotsiri, Schinoord, to commemorate Child Protection Week and the International Day of Families. The Department of Social Development hosted a special event at Peter Nchabeleng Sport Complex on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children and strengthening family units.
The week marks the culmination of Child Protection Month in May, a period dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Unfortunately, the month has also seen distressing incidents, including the disappearance of Omphile Sethole, a two-year-old girl who went missing while sleeping with her grandmother on May 2nd, and reports of five other missing children. These incidents highlight the urgent need for enhanced child protection measures.
Addressing the event on behalf of the MEC responsible for Social Development, MMC for Community Services in Sekhukhune District, Councillor Orginia Mafefe posed a poignant question: “How do we, as a community, honor and celebrate this vital month of child protection when those who are most vulnerable are targeted and stolen from us?”
She emphasized that May, a month meant to epitomize children’s safety and well-being, has instead become a symbol of vulnerability and loss. “What kind of society are we building when our most precious investment is targeted by those who should be their protectors?” she asked. Councillor Mafefe urged the community to reflect and take urgent action to address these challenges.
On the International Day of Families, the focus was on recognizing families as the foundation of society. “Families are the primary protectors of children, the first line of defense against harm,” said Councillor Mafefe. She highlighted that strong, functional families foster social cohesion, stability, and resilience. Conversely, dysfunctional families can become sources of social ills such as teenage pregnancies, substance abuse, school dropout, and societal disintegration.
Colonel Matipe Mokame, Provincial Commander for Vulnerable Groups from the South African Police Service, shared concerns about the dangers posed by cellphone use among learners, noting the rise of cyberbullying, which in some cases has led to tragic outcomes like learner suicides. He also highlighted the risk of young people engaging in unsafe activities at establishments where alcohol is traded, calling on parents to play an active role in parenting and ensuring their children are protected from harm and negative influences.
During the event, learners demonstrated a commendable understanding of their rights and responsibilities, engaging in dialogues about child protection and sharing their insights on safeguarding their well-being. The Limpopo Department of Social Development reaffirmed its commitment to working tirelessly to protect children and promote family unity for the benefit of all children.
The Department led by HOD, Ms Thembeni Elphie Mhlongo calls on all community members to continue working together to create a safe environment where children can thrive and families can flourish.
For further enquiries contact
Joshua Kwapa
Director: Communications Services
066 497 6282
Vongani Chauke
Media Liaison Officer
072 742 7575
Issued by
Limpopo Department of Social Development Communications Services
