​More than a hundred children from Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs) across Gauteng marched through the streets of Noordgesig, Soweto on Saturday, 24 May 2025, calling on communities to take an active stand against child abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

 The march, which began at the Walter Sisulu CYCC, forms part of the Department of Social Development’s Child Protection Week campaign, an annual initiative to raise awareness of children’s rights and ensure their protection.

 
With placards reading “Stop Child Abuse” and “Every Child Deserves Safety”, the children shared their message with residents, aiming to draw attention to the violence and hardships many children still face despite existing legal protections.

 
Bongani Maneng, Acting Head of Walter Sisulu CYCC, said the march was not only symbolic but educational, equipping both children and the public with knowledge about reporting abuse and safeguarding children’s rights.

 
“Today we took to the streets to raise our voices in the fight against abuse, violence, neglect, andexploitation,” said Maneng. “We must ensure that systems and structures are in place to protect children and the community must be part of that process.”

 
While handing out pamphlets and engaging with locals at the Noordgesig taxi rank, Maneng stressed that advocacy must be ongoing and collaborative.

 
“Children must be protected everyday of the year, ”she added. “This march gives them the chance to be heard and to stand up for themselves.”

 
Fifteen-year-old Linda Sibeko* from Don Mattera CYCC said the march gave her a sense of hope. “It was nice to march in the street,” she said. “I hope people understand that we are children and we need their protection.”

 
Following the march, the children gathered to showcase their talents in music, dance, and drama, expressing their messages of resilience and hope through performance.

 
National Child Protection Week, commemorated annually in South Africa, promotes awareness of children’s rights as outlined in the Constitution and the Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005). This year’s campaign reinforces the urgent need for everyone, families, communities, and institutions, to protect the country’s most vulnerable.

*No the real name