The Gauteng Provincial Government, together with the Department of Social Development, is intensifying coordinated efforts to combat the growing challenges of statutory rape and teenage pregnancy as part of Child Protection Month 2026.

The department stated that while South Africa has a strong legislative framework aimed at protecting children, it is prioritising the effective implementation of these laws through practical, community-based interventions that safeguard vulnerable children and support affected families.

As part of the 365 Days Child Protection Programme of Action, prevention and response initiatives have been strengthened across the province.

These include integrated service delivery programmes that bring together various government departments, municipalities, and civil society organisations to deliver services directly within communities.

The department said that through these initiatives, residents are able to access social work support, psychosocial services, reporting mechanisms, and educational awareness programmes.

“The department has also expanded school-based and community outreach programmes to empower children with knowledge of their rights and available protection mechanisms.

“These initiatives aim to challenge and change harmful social norms that contribute to the exploitation of minors, including inappropriate relationships between adults and underage children.”

The department indicated that in response to the rise in teenage pregnancies, it is working closely with stakeholders in the health and education sectors to improve access to youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health information and services.

The department highlighted that the early identification and reporting of abuse remain key priorities, supported by the deployment of social workers to strengthen case management and ensure timely interventions.

“The provincial government continues to align its efforts with national priorities on gender-based violence and femicide, with a focus on prevention, protection, and comprehensive support for survivors.

“Collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community structures is being reinforced to improve the reporting, investigation, and prosecution of statutory rape cases.

“Despite these efforts, challenges such as underreporting, community silence, and socio-economic vulnerabilities persist,” said the social development.

The department is also calling on all sectors of society to actively participate in protecting children.

The department is also urging parents, caregivers, educators, and community members to report any suspected cases of abuse or exploitation.

The department emphasised that professionals working with children are reminded of their legal obligation to report such cases without delay.

The department shared that Child Protection Month serves as a reminder that safeguarding children is a shared responsibility that extends beyond government programmes and requires collective action from all members of society.

ALSO READ: City calls on spaza shops to operate safely and legally

ALSO READ: LETTER: Springs community praised for supporting Presidentia’s elderly residents