Soul City Institute Statement on the Rape of a Seven-Year-Old Child in Matatiele

The protection and safeguarding of children are fundamental to building a safe society. While South Africa has no shortage of laws and policies aimed at protecting children, we continue to witness deeply disturbing cases of abuse, rape, trafficking, and other violent crimes committed against boys and girls. These are not isolated incidents, they are symptoms of a broader societal failure.

We acknowledge the swift public response and the recent intervention by the Department of Education, particularly in response to allegations that the principal of the school in question has delayed justice. However, this must only be the beginning.

As an organisation committed to the safety and wellbeing of children through our Soul Buddyz Clubs, we believe the law must be fully enforced to protect children, young women, and gender minorities. These horrific violations must not be allowed to continue. We must all work together - government, communities, schools, and civil society - to stop them.

We call for urgent action in the following areas:

• Enhanced School Safety: Every school must implement safeguarding policies and adopt child empowerment programmes such as Soul Buddyz, which equip both children and parents with the tools to prevent abuse and respond effectively when it occurs.

• Efficient Reporting Systems: Mechanisms to report abuse must be simple, accessible, and swift. Delays cost lives and justice.

• Comprehensive Background Checks: All school staff must undergo rigorous screening before being entrusted with the care of children.

We urge law enforcement, government departments, and community structures to act decisively to protect children and uphold their rights. The time to act is now. Every child deserves to feel safe, protected and free from fear.