• A powerful voice from Mopani has exposed the painful realities faced by elderly citizens living amidst rising substance abuse.
• Community engagement ahead of Child Protection Month revealed how addiction is fuelling both elder and child abuse in rural homes.
• As departments respond with services and support, citizens like Ntate Lazarus are calling for lasting action to protect the most vulnerable.

In the heart of Lebaka Village, Mopani District, a powerful plea rang out from 88-year-old Lazarus Lefuphale, who shared the harsh reality faced by many older persons in the community. Speaking during a community engagement session ahead of the national Child Protection Month commemoration, Lefuphale warned that substance abuse is driving a disturbing rise in elder abuse.

“Young people leave taverns drunk and come straight to our homes. They know we are vulnerable, and they steal our pension money to fund their habits. Sometimes, they go as far as raping elderly women. We report the cases, but nothing is being done,” he said, his voice heavy with concern.

The engagement, held as part of build-up activities leading to the Child Protection Commemoration on Sunday, 08 June 2025, gave community members a platform to speak openly about the social ills affecting their daily lives. Residents identified substance abuse as a common thread behind many of the challenges, from child neglect to crime and violence.

Government departments, including the Department of Social Development and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, were on hand to provide information, services, and support to residents. Officials showcased available programmes and referred cases raised during the session.

Mr David Shabalala, Director for the Office on the Rights of the Child at the Department of Social Development, emphasised the importance of promoting both the rights and responsibilities of children. “Children must be empowered to claim their rights, but we must also teach them to take responsibility for their actions,” said Shabalala. “They must be part of the solution to issues like teenage pregnancy, drug use, and sexual abuse.”

He noted that children’s forums have been established in all municipalities to ensure young people can engage directly with local government and be part of decision-making structures. Platforms such as the Mandela Children’s Parliament also ensure children’s voices are heard on national matters.

The session ended with a strong message encouraging community members to act on the knowledge gained and take ownership of solutions to build a safer, more accountable society.
For Ntate Lazarus and many others, the road ahead is still difficult. But by raising their voices and demanding change, they are helping ensure that the safety and dignity of the elderly and the future of the youth are protected.

• Learners urged their peers and families to take ownership in addressing child abuse by being vigilant, speaking out, and making responsible choices.
• ⁠Children expressed concern about potential risks associated with digital platforms, such as the sharing of private images and interactions with strangers online, advising a careful approach to social media use.
• These dialogues are part of the Department of Social Development’s efforts to engage communities and protect children through education, collaboration, and support services.

Tzaneen, Limpopo – 4 June 2025
Children from Kheale Secondary School in Limpopo raised their voices with conviction and clarity during impactful dialogues held under the banner of the 365 Days Child Protection Programme of Action.
During the session, learners demonstrated a keen understanding of the challenges faced by children in their communities and online. They shared innovative ideas for fostering safer environments, including the creation of peer-support groups and promoting awareness through workshops. By advocating for stronger collaboration between schools, families, and governmental entities, they aimed to ensure that every voice matters in shaping a future free from abuse.
They called for proactive and community-driven approaches to combat child sexual abuse and other social ills negatively affecting their lives.
During a discussion, children highlighted the importance of both parents and children addressing abuse in various settings such as homes, schools, communities, and online platforms. They spoke openly about topics like online safety, peer pressure, early pregnancy, substance abuse, and the issue of cyberbullying.
“It’s our responsibility to speak out, report abuse, and be cautious online. Children must stop accepting friend requests from strangers and avoid sharing personal images,” said Mmapula Rapulane, one of the participants.
Echoing this, Nkateko Baloi added:
“Being proactive means abstaining from risky behaviours and focusing on education. It’s how we protect ourselves and our futures.”
The Department of Social Development continues to lead efforts under the theme “Working together in ending violence against children,” promoting prevention, early intervention, and support services throughout the year.
These dialogues form part of a series of build-up events leading to the main community engagement this Sunday at Mokwakwaila Community Hall near Tzaneen.

•  ⁠South Africa’s digital reform in justice and social development is gaining momentum through collaboration across systems, law, and leadership.
• At the intersection of technology and human rights is the Integrated Justice System (IJS), ensuring digital progress is legally grounded and socially responsive.
• ⁠One of the key figures behind this transformation is Advocate Mandla Mathaphuna, whose work ensures that the rule of law and care for the vulnerable remain at the heart of the Department’s digital future.

Behind the scenes of South Africa’s digital transformation in justice and social development is a quiet force: the Integrated Justice System (IJS). Designed to connect departments across the criminal and social services value chain, the IJS is more than a technical upgrade, it is a vehicle for fair, lawful, and responsive service delivery.

Within the broader machinery of the Integrated Justice System, Advocate Mandla Mathaphuna plays a key role in ensuring that law remains at the centre of these digital innovations.

As a Legal Compliance Analyst, he works alongside technologists, programme managers, and policy experts to make sure that every system or platform developed under the IJS umbrella is constitutionally sound and policy-aligned.

“Legal certainty and compliance ensure the validity, and therefore the sustainability of services,” he explains. “Whether we’re implementing Victim Support Services or enforcing Trafficking in Persons legislation, the system must be lawful, resilient, and enduring.”

While many specialists contribute to the success of the IJS programme, Advocate Mathaphuna’s work ensures that the legal foundations of these innovations are strong, protective, and built to last.

With over two decades of legal and policy experience, Advocate Mathaphuna is not only shaping compliance within the IJS framework, he is helping the Department of Social Development (DSD) redefine how justice meets humanity in the digital age.

“Digital transformation is not about removing the human element,” he says. “It’s about enhancing our ability to care, to respond, and to protect—efficiently and lawfully.”

Yet the job is far from straightforward. Fragmented legal frameworks and shifting policy landscapes often complicate system design.

“There’s no single repository of laws that applies across all IJS sub-programmes. It makes the work complex, but also intellectually rewarding. Every gap we close reduces risk and strengthens the whole system.”

His role, however, is not just about analysis and alignment, it’s about outcomes.
“When a child in conflict with the law is safely diverted into care, or a survivor receives timely support, I see the value of our work in motion. That’s what keeps me going.”

The IMST Forum: A Mirror and a Milestone
At the 2025 DSD IMST Forum, where digital and information systems take centre stage, Mathaphuna found a rare opportunity to reflect not just on systems, but on strategy.
“The critical question is this: How are these systems being brought together to create a legally compliant and functionally relevant basket of social development services? From what we’ve seen, IMST plays a crucial role.”

Still, he cautions that coherence, both technical and legal is non-negotiable. “We need an updated ICT policy diagnosis—one that aligns line functions with system development. Compliance with constitutional and legislative mandates isn’t optional. It must be continuously reviewed and audited.”

A Constitutionally Anchored Future
For Mathaphuna, true transformation will be measured by how well the system protects society’s most vulnerable, especially children. “A fully realised, legally sound IJS must be anchored in the principle of the best interests of the child, as stated in Section 28(2) of the Constitution.”

He points to essential areas that require sustained legal and operational integration:
•⁠ ⁠The National Child Protection Register
•⁠ ⁠Diversion programmes under the Child Justice Act (75 of 2008)
•⁠ ⁠Support for children in conflict with the law
•⁠ ⁠Prohibition of child labour and substance abuse

These aren’t just policy obligations, they are moral ones. “The IJS Programme is guided by legislation and by the need to improve lives,” says Mr Unathi Ngumla, Senior Portfolio Manager for IJS.

“With this sentiment,” Mathaphuna adds, “I can only concur.”

•⁠ ⁠The community of Moletsane, Soweto, came together in solidarity to raise awareness about the urgent issue of gender-based violence.
•⁠ ⁠Through the symbolic use of the colour orange, residents joined hands with the Gauteng Department of Social Development to echo a global call for an end to violence against women and girls.
•⁠ ⁠The initiative reflected a shared commitment between government, faith leaders, and civil society to create safe and inclusive communities.

The streets of Moletsane in Soweto were a sea of orange on Saturday as the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD), in partnership with the Moletsane Church of the Nazarene, led a march to raise awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) in observance of Orange Day.

The global campaign, spearheaded by UN Women through the UNiTE initiative, designates the 25th of every month as Orange Day, a call to action to end violence against women and girls worldwide.

Speaking to participants, Phumla Xaba, Director for Gender, Youth, and Disability Mainstreaming at GDSD, emphasised the urgent need for collective action to combat GBV, describing it as a deeply rooted issue in South Africa.

“Gender-based violence includes physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse,” said Xaba. “It stems from unequal power dynamics and harmful societal norms, often disproportionately affecting women and girls. Addressing it requires a coordinated response with law enforcement and community structures.”

Reverend Theo Thothela of the Moletsane Church of the Nazarene echoed the importance of faith-based involvement in fighting GBV.

“Gender-based violence is a serious concern for the church,” he said. “We have dedicated departments to assist victims, and we continuously pray for a peaceful society. We believe all is possible through God’s grace.”

Shirley Nobiva, a representative from People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA), highlighted the range of services offered by the organisation to support survivors.

“POWA provides shelters, counselling, legal assistance, and skills development,” she said. “We also run outreach programmes, door-to-door campaigns, and school visits to empower communities, especially those affected by financial abuse.”

The Moletsane march served as a visible reminder that the fight against GBV is ongoing and requires every sector of society to take a stand. Through partnerships between government, religious institutions, civil society, and communities, real change is not just possible, it is necessary.