South Africa marks Child Protection Week from 29 May to 5 June 2026, where child protection advocates are calling for urgent intervention within the justice system.
Child protection advocates are warning that prolonged court delays in cases involving children are compounding trauma and undermining the very protection children desperately need.
According to UNICEF, around 40% of children experience some form of abuse, neglect, or maltreatment during childhood, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
Reports that are coming from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and Childline South Africa note that cases involving sexual offences and violence against children can take between two and five years, or even longer, to reach finalisation, with repeated postponements from the court system.
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A Durban-based NGO called The ReStory Foundation is calling on communities across South Africa to take visible action in solidarity with child survivors by attending court hearings involving crimes against children, and help support families navigating the justice system. The NGO is also demanding greater urgency in cases involving children.
The organisation believes public presence inside and outside courtrooms can send a powerful message that children’s cases matter and that justice cannot continue to be delayed without accountability.
As South Africa observes Child Protection week, the Foundation believes the conversation must move beyond awareness alone and towards meaningful systemic action that places the needs, dignity and wellbeing of children at the centre of the justice process.
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Natalie Naude, an empowerment manager at the ReStory Foundation, says, “Children cannot keep waiting for years for justice while perpetrators continue with their lives.”
Relevant contact details
The Department of Social Development has launched a pilot number, a 24-hour call centre dedicated to providing support and counselling to victims of gender-based violence.
The toll-free number to call is 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV) to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling.
Callers can also request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cell phone.
You can also get help from:
Childline South Africa: 116
Child Welfare South Africa: 0861 4 CHILD (24453) / 011 452-4110 / e-mail: info@childwelfaresa.org.za
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Featured image: Gettys
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