South Africa: SA's Child Protection Pledge Needs NGO Partners to Succeed

The article highlights the alarming rise in violence against children in South Africa, with over 1,100 murdered and nearly 6,200 seriously assaulted in a year. While the government has pledged significant actions to combat this issue, challenges persist within the Social Development Department, including underfunding, dysfunctional departments, and strained relationships with NGOs, threatening their ability to protect children effectively. Without improving leadership and rebuilding trust with civil society, achieving the outlined goals will be crucial for safeguarding children's safety and ensuring societal progress.