The Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has decried gender-based violence (GBV) and the sexual abuse of children, describing it as a “societal crisis” that demands urgent and collective intervention.
Nkomo-Ralehoko’s comments come after she joined a picket outside the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court in support of a 12-year-old girl from Dobsonville who was allegedly assaulted by a 58-year-old man.
The accused has since been arrested on charges of child abuse and is expected to return to court after his bail hearing was postponed to 22 April 2026.
Nkomo-Ralehoko said the scale of child sexual offences appearing before the courts reflects a deeply disturbing pattern in society.
“We are seeing many cases of child sexual offences in our courts, where parents and guardians have been convicted of sexual offences against children, including children with disabilities,” she said.
She further warned that at least one in five children is a victim of sexual abuse, describing the situation as a crisis that requires coordinated intervention from government, civil society, and communities.
“These cases are widely reported in the media and paint a grim picture that requires special attention from government, communities, and civil society organisations working together,” she said.
Nkomo-Ralehoko said the Gauteng Department of Social Development has a multi-layered approach to addressing social crimes, ranging from prevention to long-term support.
“As the Gauteng Department of Social Development, we have different levels of interventions to assist in the fight against social crimes. These include prevention, early intervention, statutory services, reintegration, and aftercare,” she said.
She added that social crime prevention remains a key priority, guided by legislation including the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008, the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, and the Sexual Offences Act 32 of 2007.
“These Acts provide guidance on the processes that must be followed to support children who are victims. The right to live free from violence and the right to dignity are fundamental,” she said.
“For that to happen, our communities must be spaces where safety is not a privilege, but a guarantee,” she added.
Reflecting on the court proceedings, she said the department would continue to stand by the victim and ensure ongoing support.
“I was inside the court with a family and my team from the Department of Social Development. The magistrate has postponed the case to the 22nd of April,” she said.
“We will still be here on the 22nd of April with all the NGOs that you can see, that are working with them in the Department of Social Development.”
Nkomo-Ralehoko said government and partner organisations would continue to provide sustained support while strengthening coordination with courts and civil society structures.
“We have been supporting the family since this incident happened, but we are not going to stop,” she said.
“We are going to look into them, work with the NGOs, and ensure that we revisit some of those court cases that have been there.”
Victims of GBV and witnesses are encouraged to approach their nearest Department of Social Development office or police station for assistance.
Saturday Star
Anita Nkonki
iol.co.za
