Children from across Diepsloot gathered on June 23 for a child protection week event aimed at teaching young people about their rights, personal safety, and the importance of seeking help from trusted adults.
Hosted at Safe-Hub Diepsloot, the event brought together children from early childhood groups (ECG) linked to the organisation. Through educational activities and discussions, they were encouraged to understand their rights and recognise that they are not alone when faced with difficult situations.

Safe-Hub ECG co-ordinator Gift Phalandwa said the event was designed to empower children. “The purpose of this event was to make children aware that there are people who take them seriously in their lives. Also, to see changes in our community, and make sure that children understand their rights.”

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The event formed part of child protection week, which raises awareness about the rights and wellbeing of children, while promoting safer environments at home, school, and in the community.

Phalandwa explained that one of the key goals was to teach children how to respond when they experience unsafe situations. “They must know how to report. They must be able to report that case to their parents, to their teachers, and here, at Safe Hub, to their coaches and to the caregivers.”

Safe-Hub currently works with five ECGs in Diepsloot and Riverside, and has about 217 registered participants. The organisation uses sport, education, and mentorship programmes to support young people and strengthen community wellbeing.

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Throughout the event, organisers reinforced the message that every child deserves protection, respect, and the opportunity to speak openly about their experiences. Children were encouraged to identify trusted adults they can approach if they ever feel unsafe or need guidance. “The message was no means no. Every child has a right and every child deserves to be safe.”

Phalandwa added that child protection requires the involvement of parents, caregivers, teachers, and the wider community. “We need to keep each and every child safe. We need to respect children. We need to listen to them, and we need to give them a great opportunity, or fair opportunity, to talk to us, so that they don’t get scared when facing us or facing their parents at home.”

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