With a growing number of children vanishing from home, often without warning, concerned South African parents are left grappling with difficult legal and emotional challenges.
The George Herald reports that while the instinct might be to panic or even blame the child, experts say there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface—and a lot more parents can do to understand and respond to these incidents.
Under South African law, particularly the Children’s Act, anyone under the age of 18 is considered a minor. This means parents and guardians have both the right and the responsibility to ensure their safety. When a child goes missing, whether it’s the first time or the fifth, the matter must be reported to the police.
Advocate Marilyn Scheepers Olifant, a legal expert and head of Legally You, emphasises that ‘each runaway incident needs to be taken seriously. Police have a duty to respond and investigate, even if the child has returned before.’
But repeated disappearances often hint at deeper pain—trauma, abuse, neglect, or even just emotional disconnect. In such cases, the Department of Social Development (DSD) steps in, offering counselling and family support or even placing the child in temporary foster care.
South Africa’s Children’s Courts can also become involved, especially in complex cases where guardianship or safety is disputed. These courts have the power to issue protection orders, appoint child advocates, or even remove the child from the home in extreme cases.
If the problem persists, parents may be referred to family therapists, child psychologists or social workers who can assess the situation and offer long-term solutions. ‘It’s about healing, not punishment,’ Marilyn says.
The reasons for running away vary—gender-based violence, substance abuse in the household, peer pressure, or untreated mental health issues. Sometimes, it’s simply the result of children feeling unheard or unloved.
And while wealthier families may have access to private interventions, indigent parents can still seek help through public legal aid, free counselling services, or NGOs that specialise in child and family welfare.
Vezasie stresses that building a safe, open home environment is essential. ‘Preventing a child from running away starts long before they ever think of doing it,’ she says. ‘Spend time with them, talk to them, validate their feelings. Help them develop tools to cope with stress.’
Parents should avoid exposing their children to violence and emotional instability. ‘Arguing in front of your kids may seem minor, but it can make them feel unsafe,’ Vezasie adds.
It’s a difficult topic, often wrapped in shame or denial. But silence helps no one. When a child runs away, it’s not just a disappearing act—it’s a sign something’s gone terribly wrong.
Instead of only reacting after the fact, South African families need to take a proactive stance. That means open communication, access to support systems, and most importantly, creating homes where children feel safe enough to stay.
Compiled by: Aiden Daries
First published by Cape {town} etc
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