The 2026 Child Protection Month will officially be launched on Sunday 3 May, with government calling on all South Africans to play an active role in safeguarding children from abuse and neglect.
The National Department of Social Development confirmed that the national launch will take place at the Prince Mangosuthu Sports Field in eDumbe, KwaZulu-Natal, and is expected to draw Cabinet Ministers, members of the provincial government, civil society organisations, NGOs and community stakeholders.
This year’s theme, “Working together in ending violence against children,” highlights the need for collective action to protect the country’s most vulnerable.
Child Protection Month is a nationwide campaign aimed at promoting the rights, safety and well-being of children. The initiative comes amid ongoing concerns about the high levels of abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm experienced by children across homes, schools, communities and online spaces.
Statistics show grim reality
Recent statistics underscore the urgency of the campaign. According to the National Child Protection Register, 8 984 cases of child abuse were recorded between the first and third quarters of the 2025-’26 financial year, including 3 258 cases of sexual abuse. Data from the Department of Justice further shows an increase in statutory rape cases to 199, up from 127 in the previous financial year.
Authorities have also raised concern about cases involving minors, with 22 children reported as perpetrators of statutory rape and 890 involved in rape cases, while 129 victims were under the age of 18.
In response, the 2026 campaign will place particular emphasis on improving the management of statutory rape cases including better identification, reporting, investigation and access to therapeutic services to ensure that victims receive immediate protection and ongoing psychosocial support.
The campaign will also focus on strengthening responses to teenage pregnancy and closing gaps in mandatory reporting, as South Africa continues to face high levels of gender-based violence and child sexual abuse.
Child Protection Month has its roots in Child Protection Week, first introduced in 1997 as a week-long awareness campaign. In 2019, it was expanded to a month-long programme in recognition of the growing scale of violence against children.
Everyone encouraged to support the cause
National Child Protection Week, observed annually from 29 May to 5 June, remains a key component of the campaign. It aims to raise awareness of children’s rights as outlined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the Children’s Act. The initiative is also recognised on the calendar of UNICEF.
Government has urged all citizens to support the campaign and help break the cycle of neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation affecting children.
“Protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only a basic value but also an obligation clearly set out in Article 28 of the Constitution,” the department said.
The campaign is built on cooperation between government departments, civil society, international partners and communities, with families identified as central to child development and protection.
The closing event of Child Protection Month will take place in the Chris Hani District in the Eastern Cape on Sunday 7 June.
The Department of Social Development operates a 24-hour call centre offering support and counselling to victims of gender-based violence. Call the toll-free number 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV) to speak to a social worker, or dial 1207867# to request a callback.
Additional support services include:
- Childline South Africa: 116
- Child Welfare South Africa: 0861 4 CHILD (24453) or 011 452 4110
- Email: info@childwelfaresa.org.za
