The urgent need for child safety in South Africa: lessons from Cwecwe's story

Cwecwe's Story Is a Wake-Up Call for South Africa

The devastating case of 7-year-old Cwecwe, who was brutally raped and molested at her school, has struck a deep chord of shock, outrage, and grief across the nation.

The trauma Cwecwe endured is a haunting reminder that schools—institutions meant to be sanctuaries for learning and growth—have, in some heartbreaking instances, failed to protect our children. The fact that such a heinous crime transpired within the very walls of a place entrusted with our children's care is a damning reflection of our society's inability to safeguard its most vulnerable members. Cwecwe's horrific experience is not an isolated incident.

Numerous young boys and girls have fallen prey to similar atrocities, their voices stifled, and their stories left untold. According to the South African Police Service, over 50,000 cases of child rape were reported in 2020 alone, a staggering number that represents only a fraction of the true incidences, as countless cases remain unreported due to fear, shame, and systemic failures. The decision by Afriforum to represent the alleged perpetrator has sparked significant debate and concern.

While the organization's right to provide legal defence is not in question, many view the move as ham-fisted and tone-deaf. This case transcends racial divisions; it is fundamentally about seeking justice for a child whose young life has been irrevocably shattered. Focusing on the racial undertones of this issue only serves to distract from the core concern: the safety and well-being of our children. As a nation, we must unite to vehemently condemn this crime and insist that our educational institutions be held accountable for ensuring a secure environment for our children.

We owe it to Cwecwe and the innumerable other victims of such violence to guarantee that justice is served and to cultivate a society where children can flourish free from fear of harm or abuse. The time for hollow rhetoric and empty promises has passed. We need concerted action and measurable outcomes. Our government, civil society, and individuals must collaborate to confront the systemic failures that have precipitated this crisis. This includes allocating adequate resources and support for victims of child abuse, ensuring that perpetrators face appropriate consequences, and implementing effective preventative measures.

We must engage in informed, nuanced conversations about the societal factors that foster child abuse. Addressing poverty, inequality, and patriarchal structures is crucial in creating an environment where such vile acts can no longer thrive. Acknowledging the role men can play in preventing child abuse is also essential; we must strive to cultivate a culture of masculinity that embraces empathy, respect, and protection of the vulnerable. In the face of such unimaginable horror, it may be easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. However, we are not powerless. We possess the ability to demand change, to hold our leaders accountable, and to build a society that cherishes and protects its children. We owe it to Cwecwe, as well as to ourselves, to take action. Let us unite in our demand for justice for Cwecwe and for all victims of child abuse who have been silenced, neglected, or forgotten. Together, let us forge a South Africa where children can grow, thrive, and realize their full potential—free from fear, violence, and abuse. The time to act is now.

*Mayalo is an independent writer, analyst, and commentator

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.