Latest news with #WesternCapeDepartmentofSocialDevelopment
IOL News
02-07-2025
- IOL News
Social worker reveals alarming trends of minors engaging in prostitution via social media
Civil organisations and the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) have made a plea after a social worker shared insights into one of the problems they have to deal with. Image: Pexels / Supplied Parents have again been urged to remain protective and engaged in the online habits of their children, and that they are not being victims of sexual abuse or exploitation. Civil organisations and the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) have made a plea after a social worker shared insights into one of the problems they have to deal with. During the launch of the DSD's Cape Care Fund, which allows the public to donate towards NGOs that assist the most vulnerable, ACVV Child Protection's Preshema Sewpaul highlighted the immense challenges social workers face. Sewpaul, who works as a social worker in the Cape metro - across areas as Factreton, Kensington, Brooklyn - said their challenges are spread out depending on the area. She said the Factreton area is very rife with gangsterism and substance abuse, and within the Maitland-Brooklyn area, they are facing not only excessive physical abuse, but also minors engaging in prostitution. 'We have a lot of children from there (the area) sitting on social media, deciding to use social media due to high rates of prostitution, and… For them, it's not so much that they stand on the corner. They meet people through social media, alleging that they're over 18, and then they have older foreigners who believe this, and then engage with them sexually. 'And then they are falling pregnant and/or getting STDs. So in that area, I have high rates of teenage pregnancies and runaways from home,' Sewpaul said. The phenomenon of minors being sexual online is not new, with a study from ECPAT, a global network of civil society organisations dedicated to ending child sexual exploitation, in 2021 already explaining that children have always explored their sexuality. 'It is important that adults remind themselves that a lot of a child's life takes place online, meaning that most of what is part and parcel of being a child or young person will also take place there. 'This means that flirting, falling in love, and sex will all be a natural part of children and young people's lives online. Children and young people will continue to explore and experiment with sex, regardless of what their parents say; for many people, the internet may be a safe space to do this,' the study said. 'Occasionally, this will mean that children engage in risk-filled behaviours such as sending nude photographs to each other, having online sex, or meeting people they have got to know online. It is important to remember that risk is not necessarily synonymous with harm, and it is the latter that is important to avoid.' The Sex Worker Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) spokesperson, Megan Lessing, said while they have not come across any similar incidents, they believe that even anecdotal evidence should be taken seriously, and that all efforts should be made to shield teens from sexual exploitation. 'Concerns about young people — particularly in under-resourced areas — using social media to engage in transactional sex have been raised anecdotally in various contexts, and they deserve careful attention. 'Even where detailed evidence is limited, these community observations often reflect broader challenges we do see: poverty, lack of opportunity, and limited access to safe, youth-friendly services. These are the conditions that increase vulnerability, especially for young people navigating digital spaces without adequate support or protection,' Lessing said. 'It's important to distinguish between minors (under 18) and young adult sex workers (18+). When minors engage in transactional sex, it is not considered sex work; rather, it is exploitation, and they require protection and support. The dangers include grooming, violence, coercion, and trafficking, with little to no recourse or protection. 'For young adults who are of legal age and choose to do sex work, the use of social media brings both opportunity and risk. While platforms can help them connect with clients more discreetly, they also open them up to digital surveillance, harassment, blackmail, and unsafe working conditions. Because sex work remains criminalised in South Africa, these young adults often cannot access the full range of legal or health services they need to stay safe,' Lessing said. Lessing added that if a child or teen is being sexually exploited — whether in person or online — caregivers should prioritise their safety and wellbeing. 'This means responding with empathy, not punishment, and seeking professional support. Judgment and shame can push young people further into harm's way. 'If a young person is legally an adult and is engaging in sex work, it is still important for families to remain supportive, offer non-judgmental guidance, and help connect them to information, services, and safer options — if that's what they want.' She added that many young adults enter sex work to survive, especially where education, employment, or housing options are limited. Lessing said that it is also important to clarify that sex work is not the same as trafficking or child exploitation. 'Lumping these together harms both adult sex workers and survivors of exploitation by preventing appropriate, tailored responses… We need to understand that survival sex and sex work among youth often arise from systemic failure: lack of housing, education, income, and support. 'Criminalising young adults for trying to survive doesn't solve the problem; it deepens the harm,' Lessing said. Lessing said that SWEAT advocates for the full decriminalisation of adult sex work and stressed that it would improve safety, health access, and rights for all sex workers, including younger adults who are often most vulnerable. 'Criminalisation of sex work discourages reporting, blocks access to justice, and pushes the entire industry underground — making it even harder to detect and address cases of exploitation, including those involving minors.' The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) and the DSD have come out to urge for the protection of children and that parents and caregivers be vigilant of what their children are doing online. DSD spokesperson Esther Lewis said whether or not the children are the ones seen as initiating contact, 'if they are underage, it remains a criminal offence', and that anyone with knowledge of this should report it to the authorities. 'It is the responsibility of adults to ensure they do not participate in sexual interactions and inappropriate relationships with children. We urge parents and caregivers to monitor their children's social media use, as well as their movements. 'While it's not always possible to watch your child's every move, it's essential that parents know who their children are communicating with online, who their friends are, and where they are going when they leave the home,' Lewis said. 'We acknowledge it is difficult or uncomfortable for some, but it is of the utmost importance that parents have age-appropriate conversations with their children about topics such as sex, sexual health, and STIs, and sensitise them to the potential consequences thereof. 'If parents or caregivers see the early signs of their children displaying challenging behaviour, they should immediately reach out to a social worker for assistance.' CGE spokesperson Javu Baloyi condemned the acts and incidents of sexual abuse directed towards children. 'Communities, particularly parents and guardians, are obligated by law to report the incidents of violence and abuse against those who prey on children. Technology-facilitated violence and crime must be reported to law enforcement agencies. 'Teenage pregnancy shouldn't be normalised; those who sexually violate children must be made to face the law,' Baloyi said. 'Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor children so that they can minimise the possible harmful exposure children might get on social media. Moreover, society is obligated to report apps that are not child-friendly.' Baloyi said that screen time for children should be monitored to minimise and regulate vulnerabilities. 'More education must be given to children to sensitise them about identifying early warnings of possible online harm. Online self-awareness and being alert are key in identifying possible harm. 'Law enforcement agencies and education institutions must increase dialogues that address technology-facilitated GBV, must be inclusive enough, and must not leave children with disabilities in their online education and awareness efforts.' [email protected]
IOL News
09-06-2025
- IOL News
Investigation launched after toddler found dead at home in Mitchell's Plain
Authorities investigate the tragic death of a 3-year-old boy discovered alone at home in Mitchell's Plain, raising concerns about child safety and welfare. The Western Cape Department of Social Development has stepped in following the death of a 3-year-old toddler who was found home alone in Eastridge, Mitchell's Plain, last Wednesday. The body of the toddler, who suffered from a disability, was found in the house in Olive Street. It is claimed the mother left the child home alone, with speculations that the body may have been left there for more than a day. It is also alleged that the mother abuses drugs and has more children. Monique Mortlock-Malgas, Western Cape Department of Social Development spokesperson, said the matter is under investigation and she cannot divulge into more information regarding this case. 'The Western Cape Department of Social Development cannot comment on the specifics of the case. However, we can confirm that the department is investigating. 'In general, if a report is received of possible neglect or abuse of children, social workers will conduct safety and risk assessments to determine the level of intervention needed to safeguard the child or children, and other interventions for family members where appropriate. These interventions are all based on the individual outcomes of assessments. 'We strongly urge anyone who suspects a child is being abused or neglected to report this to their nearest DSD office, a designated child protection organisation, or the police.' Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said the circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation. 'Mitchell's Plain police responded to a complaint on Wednesday June 4, 2025. Upon their arrival in Olive Street in Eastridge at about 7:30pm, they found the body of a 3-year-old boy. 'The victim was declared deceased by the medical personnel. Mitchell's Plain police registered an inquest for further investigation.' Police are appealing to anyone who can shed light on the circumstances surrounding this incident to call Crime stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously. Cape Argus
IOL News
08-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
DSD launches Cape Care Fund, receives R100k donation from Mayor Hill-Lewis
The Cape Care Fund is a Special Purpose Vehicle created between the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) and The Health Foundation of South Africa. DSD MEC Jaco Londt addressing the attendees. Image: DSD/Supplied The Cape Care Fund, aimed at boosting and assisting organisations in the social services sector, was launched on Friday amid immense economic challenges facing the sector. The Cape Care Fund is a Special Purpose Vehicle created between the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Health Foundation of South Africa to raise funds to further support the work of DSD through vetted, registered, compliant, well-functioning non-profit organisations (NPOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with a proven track record in the social services sector, in the province. NPOs and NGOs in South Africa and the Western Cape are facing the combined impact of static or reduced government transfers and donor funding. The idea of the fund was conceptualised by Social Development MEC Jaco Londt, who said that when he stepped into office last year, one of the things he did was inquire how DSD could strengthen its support to this vital sector. 'Through the Cape Care Fund, we are hopeful to take NPOs and NGOs from surviving to thriving, for the benefit of our most vulnerable residents. I encourage businesses and residents that want to help create positive change by uplifting communities and individuals to support this initiative.' Health Foundation CEO Harry Grainger said: 'The Cape Care Fund exemplifies how innovative financing, and strategic collaboration can contribute to improved economic resilience and sustainable development. We invite all stakeholders to join us in this transformative journey—working together towards a sustainable, inclusive, and healthier society." ACVV Child Protection's Preshema Sewpaul, who works in the Cape metro, in areas such as Factreton, Kensington, Brooklyn, and more, shared that they face immense challenges. 'The challenges are quite spread out, depending on which area I'm in. Like, for example, the Factreton area is very rife with gangsterism and substance abuse. I've also got four informal settlements within the residential area that's growing by the day. 'My social workers have to go in there, look for the clients and deliver services to them. Big challenges from that area are that children, because of the substance abuse during pregnancy, are born with learning difficulties or disabilities. 'That can result in them dropping out of school by Grade 6, because you can only fail one grade per phase. Then they get pushed into the next phase, pushed into the next phase, and then at Grade 6, they're 15 years old, and cannot read and write. 'They drop out there onto the streets, begging, and that becomes something that falls on the social workers' lap, because they are indulging in petty crime, criminal activity. 'That's a big challenge for us, in keeping children in school and having enough facilities...' Sewpaul added that they have a wide range of other issues that they encounter, and oftentimes, it's the lack of resources. 'I'm very excited about this idea and initiative. The reality is that, as a child protection sector, going out and fundraising is very difficult. Back in the day, people would make pancakes and sell them - we don't have the time to do that."
IOL News
05-06-2025
- IOL News
Child Protection: Ongoing efforts beyond awareness week
Child Protection Week shines a spotlight on the urgent need to protect South Africa's children from violence and neglect. Image: Freepik Child Protection Week has come to an end, but efforts to promote the rights of children and protect them must continue. This week, a journalist asked me what the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) is doing differently this year regarding child protection. This question arose following numerous reports of children's rights being violated in horrific ways. We heard of young girls in Beaufort West being assaulted, a teenage girl going missing in Paarl, and babies being abandoned. Such news is worrying and leaves one with a sense of dread. However, in all these cases, there are those who step in to offer comfort and a way out of the darkness. Social workers The Western Cape DSD has a statutory obligation to act on reports of child abuse or neglect. Social workers provide psychosocial support services, such as counselling, at any time of day. They accompany victims and their families on their journey to cope with trauma, all while facing high caseloads, increasing demand for services, and risks of verbal and physical abuse in some communities. To illustrate the dedication of DSD staff, let's consider the 2025 Easter long weekend. DSD social workers attended to 56 cases between April 18 and April 21, covering abandonment, abuse, trafficking, and children wandering the streets. In one instance, social workers from the Cape Winelands Overberg office drove a teenager, found hitchhiking near Worcester, back to his home in the Northern Cape to reunite him with his mother. These social workers went above and beyond to ensure this child was safe and that authorities provided the necessary support. There are also 108 Designated Child Protection Organisations across the province, supported by the department. These organisations are obligated to provide child protection services upon receiving reports of abuse or neglect, strengthening our efforts to reach more vulnerable children. Currently, there are 42,725 children in the foster care system, either placed with foster parents or in a Cluster Foster Care Scheme, where multiple foster homes, managed by a non-profit organisation (NPO), are registered to provide care for up to six children. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ So, what are we doing differently? We are working to create more resilient NGOs and NPOs in the social services sector. On June 6, the department, in partnership with the Health Foundation of South Africa, launched the Cape Care Fund. This initiative aims to raise funds to support credible, registered organisations with a proven track record of quality service delivery in the Western Cape's social services sector. Donors will be linked to vetted organisations doing vital work for the vulnerable but needing assistance to continue or enhance their efforts. This year, the department increased funding to its Child Protection and Child and Youth Care programmes by R32 million to strengthen these services. Additionally, through the Social Work Integrated Management System Application (SWIMS App), the department is working to lessen the administrative burden on social workers, freeing up more time for therapeutic interventions. Launched last year in collaboration with the Department of the Premier's Centre for e-Innovation, the SWIMS App is set to expand across the provincial government. Our focus has been to roll out SWIMS to non-government entities in the child protection space, where we've identified the greatest need. DSD has already trained two Designated Child Protection Organisations (Stellcare and Valley Development Projects). If SWIMS is utilised by other social service professionals in government and the NGO space, it will strengthen our case monitoring systems, ensuring social workers stay updated on interventions and improving referral pathways between departments and organisations. This will also mitigate the risk of cases falling through the cracks. The department is also implementing a groundbreaking training programme for staff at our Child and Youth Care Centres, aimed at enhancing therapeutic services for older adolescents. This initiative, in partnership with the University of Cape Town's Alan J. Fisher Centre for Public Mental Health, seeks to improve mental health support in these facilities. As DSD's Chief Occupational Therapist Nicholas Matyida said, 'It equips our practitioners and care staff with the necessary tools to support residents in managing their emotions, making better decisions, and ultimately building brighter futures.' This is just a snapshot of how the Western Cape DSD is trying to improve child protection services. However, we cannot do it alone. We need civil society, other government departments, communities, and the private sector to collaborate with us. We need people to report child abuse or neglect to the department or the SAPS, so that children may be safeguarded. We also need more individuals to become safety and foster parents, providing caring homes for vulnerable children who need temporary safety.
IOL News
08-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Western Cape launches 10th GBV Ambassador Programme with the help of community volunteers
The Western Cape Department of Social Development launched their 10th GBV Ambassador program Image: Supplied The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has intensified its fight against gender-based violence (GBV) with the launch of its 10th GBV Ambassador Programme, expanding coverage to Cape Town's Metro South region. The new cohort of 68 trained GBV Ambassadors will serve communities in Manenberg, Heideveld, Lavender Hill, Steenberg, Philippi, Browns Farm, and Gugulethu. These volunteers play a vital role in raising awareness about available GBV support services, assisting in early interventions, and working closely with the police and refer cases of domestic violence. They also volunteer in the police victim-friendly rooms to support survivors. With this latest launch, a total of 283 ambassadors are now active across the province, including areas such as Swartland, Delft, Grabouw, Ceres, and parts of the Cape Metro. For many of these volunteers, the programme is both personal and transformative. 'I want to empower others, showing that supporting our communities should not limit us because of age. If I can do it, so can they. GBV is a big problem, and we need to stand together to fight this horrible disease in our society. I really hope to make a difference,' said 73-year-old Noluthando Mazwi from Gugulethu. Paul Mdidisi, another ambassador, highlighted the value of the training provided: 'The GBV training has helped us with tools to address GBV in our own communities, support victims and deal with the perpetrators.' Western Cape MEC of Social Development, Jaco Londt, praised the programme and its volunteers: 'I commend these GBV Ambassadors for raising their hands to make a positive difference in their communities by supporting victims of abuse. They are not only strengthening the hand of the Western Cape Government in its efforts against GBV, but they also inspire others in their communities to be change agents. They are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those most vulnerable in our province.' The initiative has, however, sparked calls for greater recognition and support for the ambassadors. Lucinda Evans has urged DSD to pay GBV ambassadors Image: File Lucinda Evans, a prominent GBV and community activist and founder of Philisa Abafazi Bethu, welcomed the initiative but raised concerns about the lack of financial compensation for the volunteers. 'I think it's a good initiative, its great for the community and our organisation will work with the ambassadors, but one of the questions I would like to ask the Ministry of Social Development, we see that the safety ambassadors are being paid a stipend. And so we hope that the safety GBV ambassadors will be paid too... 'I've seen the picture, the majority of the ambassadors are women, and kudos to the women that are standing up to support other women and to help the department. But I would have wanted to see the same effort put into safety officers put into GBV ambassadors, because GBV is a priority in the country.' Evans said because this is such a critical function, she believes a budget must be made available to pay them. 'Let's pay the ambassadors a stipend. Let's also see how the ambassadors can be used in the victim support rooms as a paid stipend ambassador.' For more information on the services available to GBV victims through the DSD, residents can contact the toll-free number 0800 220 250, email [email protected], or visit the Victim Empowerment Programme online. [email protected] Weekend Argus
