Child protection begins long before a case reaches a social worker, a police station, or a courtroom. It begins in the places where children spend most of their lives: their homes, their families, their schools, their places of worship, and their communities.
Siyanda Magayana
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01 Jun, 2026
International Pride Month 2026 takes place in a global and regional environment marked by growing debate around identity, inclusion, public values, governance, and human rights. Across many parts of the world, including Southern Africa, conversations relating to gender identity, sexual orientation, equality, and belonging are increasingly shaped by political polarisation, economic uncertainty, misinformation, digital hostility, and wider anxieties about social change.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: June 2026
On this day in 1963, African leaders came together to establish the Organisation of African Unity with a shared belief that Africa’s dignity, sovereignty, liberation, and future could only be secured through unity and collective action. Africa Day is therefore not only a celebration of our continent’s rich cultures, histories, and achievements, but also a reminder of the unfinished work of justice, equality, and freedom for all African people.
Our CEO, Phinah Kodisang recently spoke to eNCA on the persistent crisis of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa following the release of the latest SAPS crime statistics. The discussion highlighted the urgent need for communities to become actively involved in preventing violence, reporting abuse, and supporting survivors, particularly as many GBV incidents continue to occur within homes and private spaces. Kodisang emphasised that ending GBVF requires collective action from families, communities, law enforcement, and society as a whole.
Soul City Institute commends the swift response by the Eastern Cape Department of Education following serious allegations of sexual abuse involving a teacher and learner at Nozuko Senior Secondary School. While the rapid intervention and commitment to investigate are welcomed, the incident highlights ongoing systemic failures in safeguarding children within educational spaces. As Child Protection Month is observed, Soul City Institute stresses that child protection must be proactive rather than reactive. We call for stronger vetting systems, regular safeguarding audits, accessible reporting mechanisms, and survivor-centred responses to ensure learners are protected at all times. Schools must remain safe spaces where children’s rights, dignity, and safety are upheld without compromise.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – 5 May 2026 – This week, as the world marks International Day of the Midwife (5 May) and International Nurses Day (12 May), Soul City Institute (SCI) proudly pays tribute to the unsung heroes on the frontline of women's and young people's health: midwives, nurses, and Community Health Workers (CHWs).
A Workers’ Day call to action highlighting how economic justice remains the missing link in South Africa’s freedom, with a focus on community-based and SRHR workers.
“Protection is not a gift we give children. It is a right they are born with. Our failure to deliver it is a political choice — and political choices can be changed.”
