UNICEF FOCUS BY JESSIE TAYLOR
CHILD PROTECTION
Where policy meets justice V
iolence against children remains a significant challenge facing South Africa. Despite extensive efforts to reduce violence against children, the legacy of violence and inequality in the country make curbing the scourge a complex endeavour. VULNERABLE TO VIOLENCE South Africa's levels of poverty and unemployment create risk for many children, making them vulnerable to domestic violence, substance abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. One study estimates that about 42% of children had experienced some form of maltreatment (whether sexual, physical, emotional or neglect). Even school environments are not all safe spaces for children – the 2012 National School Violence Study found that 13% of learners had been bullied. According to UNICEF, children are affected
by many social issues in South Africa that exacerbate violence – children are orphaned through HIV, there is a large refugee population, and there are high levels of gender-based violence in the country. In addition, high poverty levels increase the likelihood that children will experience maltreatment – lack of housing, access to transportation, and substance abuse have all been linked to child neglect cases.
There are ways to create a safer society. This requires a whole of society approach Children's rights are a cornerstone of South Africa's democracy. These rights are enshrined in the Constitution and protected by the Children's Act. This Act advocates for
24 | Public Sector Leaders | November 2021
children's rights to essential services, including shelter, protection, maintenance, education, social security, and parenting. A ROBUST SOCIAL CARE SYSTEM To protect these rights, South Africa relies on a child protection policy that aims to create social justice by addressing poverty and inequality, accompanied by a legislative and judicial approach that aims to shield children from abuse and maltreatment. South Africa spends more on social assistance than most other countries, according to a World Bank review. The report puts the social grant spend at around 3.3% of South Africa's GDP. The World Bank found that the social grants were by far the largest facet of South Africa's social protection system, with
