Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has pledged to tighten legal systems and improve enforcement mechanisms to combat violent crimes against women and children in South Africa. Her remarks came during a Child Protection Awareness Month march held at the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg on Sunday, where she personally received memoranda from child protection organisations.
The demonstration, organised in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Social Development, gave a platform to children and advocacy groups to voice their growing concerns over safety and protection in a country facing an alarming rise in gender-based violence, child trafficking, and sexual abuse.
Accepting the memoranda from multiple child advocacy organisations, Minister Kubayi acknowledged the severe challenges facing the justice system and vowed that government institutions will do more to respond to the crisis.
“We can’t have parents commercialising their children. It has to stop, and all of us have to work together to stop this,” the Minister said. “On our side, we will continue to improve the systems. The sentence must fit the crime.”
While the Minister clarified that she does not support the reinstatement of the death penalty, she emphasised that South Africa’s legal framework must be robust enough to deter perpetrators and hold them accountable.
Her statement comes at a time when the nation is still grappling with a series of high-profile cases involving rape, femicide, and human trafficking—issues that have disproportionately affected women and children, particularly in low-income and marginalised communities.
Minister Supports Child-Led Advocacy
The march to the Constitutional Court marked a symbolic moment during Child Protection Awareness Month, highlighting the voices of children who are often silenced or overlooked in public discourse on violence.
The event featured powerful testimonials from young participants, educators, and social workers, many of whom demanded increased police visibility, faster court processes, and more victim support services.
Minister Kubayi said she was moved by the courage of the children who shared their stories and concerns. “This was not just a protest. It was a call to action from the youngest members of our society. They are telling us what needs to change, and it is our responsibility to listen and act,” she added.
The Minister openly admitted that the justice system has often failed victims, citing backlogs in court cases and insufficient coordination between government departments and NGOs.
“To protect women and children effectively, we must address gaps in the judicial process, social services, and policing,” Minister Kubayi explained. “This is not a challenge one department can tackle alone—it requires unified action.”
She stressed the need for integrated data systems, better inter-agency collaboration, and increased funding for child protection units within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
One of the march’s central goals was to hand over detailed memoranda outlining the urgent needs of child protection stakeholders. These included calls for Minister Kubayi assured participants that each memorandum would be reviewed and form part of a broader policy review currently underway. She also announced plans to launch provincial child safety task forces to coordinate responses at the community level.“We need to make sure these recommendations don’t just sit in a file. They must translate into policies and actions that save lives,” said the
Public sentiment following the march has been largely supportive, with advocacy groups praising Minister Kubayi for showing up and engaging directly with citizens—something not all ministers routinely do.
“This sends a powerful message that the government is willing to listen,” said Thandi Mokoena, a representative from a Johannesburg-based child rights NGO. “But we’re watching closely to ensure that these commitments don’t fade away once the cameras leave.”
Several political leaders across party lines also commended the Minister’s approach, urging continued bipartisan cooperation on matters involving the safety of women and children. A Turning Point for Child Protection in South Africa?
As Child Protection Awareness Month continues, many hope that the Minister’s involvement marks a turning point in how the South African government addresses violence against the most vulnerable.
For families who have suffered loss, survivors seeking justice, and children yearning for a safe future, Sunday’s march and the Minister’s response have kindled cautious optimism.
Source- EWN
