News

News

News
Protecting Learners Must Go Beyond Crisis Response
Akona
|
09 May, 2026

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.

Soul City Institute's (SCI) Response on the decline in child and adolescent pregnancy rates
Akona
|
29 Apr, 2026

Soul City Institute (SCI) welcomes the recent findings published in the South African Medical Journal, which report a 16% overall decline in child and adolescent pregnancies between April 2021 and March 2025, and a significant 40% reduction among girls aged 10 to 14. This progress reflects the impact of sustained, multi-sectoral interventions aimed at strengthening prevention, protection, and access to information and services for children and adolescents.

© 2023 Soul City Institute