In a poignant display of courage and concern, young children from various communities in South Africa rallied to the forefront, marching to the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg this past weekend. Their message was clear: it is time for the Department of Justice to enforce stricter punishments against those who violate children. Joined by child protection activists and government officials, these children voiced their harrowing experiences and fears related to child safety and abuse.
Among the marchers was 12-year-old Enhle Nzimambe from Soweto, who shared the disturbing narratives she hears daily about children facing unspeakable horrors. “I’ve heard that a lot of children are killed after school; they are followed, they are taken, and their body parts are sliced away. They are sold. And I am deeply hurt because I feel like now I need a transport driver to take me home,” Nzimambe stated candidly, highlighting a stark reality that many young South Africans encounter.
Their frustrations echoed throughout the march. Many children expressed their fear and sadness over rising violence, particularly noting that perpetrators often remain unpunished. “I’m tired of so many things going on against children. I mean, it’s rape; it’s violence. And I feel like nothing is being done, really. There are no stricter laws; perpetrators go out on bail,” said one of the young advocates, emphasising the need for urgent change.
As the march proceeded, Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, stepped forward to address the crowd. She passionately called for the rapid release of the Sex Offenders Registry, underscoring its importance in protecting children. “If the sexual offences register is not up and running, then the vetting of any childcare worker will be null and void because they’ll continue working with children and being paedophiles,” Mazibuko stated firmly. Her plea was met with applause, as many in attendance rallied behind the call for decisive action.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mamoloko Kubayi, acknowledged the pressing concerns raised by the children, particularly noting a troubling trend in reported cases of child trafficking that sometimes involve parents themselves. “What is even scarier is that mothers are literally commercialising their children, where you find that they are taking money and selling their children. This is a worrying phenomenon,” she articulated, adding that the department is committed to ensuring that those who exploit children are prosecuted accordingly.
This march reflects a growing movement of awareness and activism among South African youth, who are increasingly vocal about their safety and the systemic issues contributing to child abuse. The voices of these children serve not only as a wake-up call to the authorities but as a broader reminder that every child deserves the right to safety and protection.