Teddy Bear Foundation Urges Action on Child Abuse at Child Protection Month Launch. JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – The Teddy Bear Foundation has marked the commencement of Child Protection Month in May 2026 by calling for heightened awareness and action against the prevalent issue of child abuse, particularly statutory rape, in South Africa.
The foundation has highlighted the vulnerability of children to statutory rape, noting that many cases are unreported, enabling perpetrators to evade justice.
The organization has expressed concern over the increased incidence of statutory rape, particularly among children under the age of 16, between the ages of 10 and 14, who are giving birth to children themselves.
The foundation’s stance is in line with the Children’s Act, which defines a child as someone under the age of 18.
The foundation emphasizes that the term ‘teenager’is misleading when discussing child pregnancies, as it downplays the reality of child pregnancy and the associated issues.
The launch of Child Protection Month is a critical opportunity to educate the public about the gravity of the situation and to mobilize efforts to prevent further harm.
The Department of Social Development reported over 26,000 cases of child abuse and neglect in the 2024/25 financial year, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.
The Teddy Bear Foundation’s campaign, in partnership with the Statutory Rape Inquiry Stakeholder Engagements with the Ministry, is part of a broader parliamentary inquiry into the scale of statutory rape and the systemic failures that allow abuse to continue.
The foundation’s vision is for a future where children are protected from abuse and those who perpetrate harm are held accountable.
As Child Protection Month unfolds, the Teddy Bear Foundation and other stakeholders are urging a collective effort to ensure the safety and well — being of children in South Africa.
The campaign aims to address the complexities of child abuse, including the structural inequalities and moral failures that contribute to the problem.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: enca
Source: Siya Tsewu
