Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has called for urgent national action to combat child abuse, neglect and exploitation, describing rising cases of child sexual abuse and teenage pregnancy as a “national disgrace”.
Speaking at the Child Protection Month launch in eDumbe Local Municipality on Sunday, she warned of increasing cases.
“Recent data… show a worrying upward trend in reported cases of child abuse, neglect and exploitation,” she said.
Tolashe revealed that over 100,000 children and teenagers experience unintended pregnancies annually, adding: “South Africa’s adolescent pregnancy rate remains more than five times the global average… this is a national disgrace.”
She stressed that government would act where children’s rights are violated, referencing intervention in KwaMaphumulo. “We will act decisively without any hesitation… when children’s rights are violated,” she said.
Tolashe urged communities to report abuse and protect children.
