Gauteng Social Development MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko urged government, communities and civil society to work together on child protection during a march to the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg on 31 May 2026.
The march formed part of Child Protection Week and was attended by children, NGOs and faith-based groups. Participants raised issues including abuse, statutory rape and safety concerns.
Nkomo-Ralehoko stated that her department is partnering with organisations to place abused children in safe spaces and provide care. She noted that NPOs act as an extension of the department and called for closer links with health facilities.
Dr Shaheda Omar of the Teddy Bear Foundation said stronger coordination across sectors is needed to speed up justice. She added that the minister of justice should review the national sex offender register to improve consistency in sentencing.
