Communications Minister Solly Malatsi says South Africa should strengthen enforcement of existing laws and boost digital literacy instead of pursuing social media age bans for children.
In an interview published on 19 July 2026, Malatsi argued that age restrictions like those in Australia and the United Kingdom are easily bypassed and would not be enforceable in South Africa.
He called instead for mandatory age verification linked to devices or platforms, closer cooperation with technology companies, and greater digital literacy efforts for parents and schools.
Malatsi highlighted enforcement gaps, noting that the Film and Publication Board confirmed 9,250 cases of child sexual abuse material in the 2025/26 financial year yet only 16 criminal cases resulted.
Experts including Emma Sadleir and Anzio Jacobs echoed the need for better law enforcement and education over new bans, stressing the importance of including children’s perspectives in policy development.
