The Sebokeng Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit observed Child Protection Week at Thato Kematla Orphanage in Orange Farm, on 27 May, as part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness about child safety and protection.
The initiative forms part of the National Child Protection Week campaign, which officially runs from 29 May to 05 June, and aims to highlight issues of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation, while promoting safety in homes, schools, and digital spaces.
During the outreach, the FCS Unit was joined by a wide range of stakeholders, including National FCS, Sedibeng FCS, SAPS Orange Farm, Provincial Corporate Communication, Provincial Social Crime Prevention, Women’s Network, Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department, and members of the local community. Additional partners included Social Development, Men as Safety Promoters (MASP) under Community Safety, and various sponsors.
The programme focused on strengthening partnerships between law enforcement, government departments, and civil society to ensure a coordinated approach to child protection and community safety.
Thato Kematla Orphanage, which is currently home to about 30 children, has been operating for 20 years and only began receiving funding a year ago, highlighting the ongoing need for sustained support for vulnerable children.
Authorities emphasised that Child Protection Week serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility required to safeguard children and create safer communities.
