“We have failed our children! I say ‘we’ because weak leaders point fingers. But strong leaders hold hands.” With these honest and challenging words, Khanyisile Sithole, Children’s Ministry Coordinator, opened the launch of National Child Protection Week at Territorial Headquarters. Her appeal was strong: “We must protect our children,” she said, calling the THQ family to take action—not just to acknowledge the harm done, but to step forward and do something.
Latani Makgadi, Divisional Social Worker from the Central Division, brought a heavy but necessary reality into the room. In the 2024/2025 reporting period, more than 26,000 cases of child abuse were reported in South Africa. And those are only the ones that made it into official records. On average, 58 children are sexually abused every day in our country.
Latani urged each of us to be a voice for children, to speak up, step in, and actively help build environments where children are safe, seen, and supported. He reminded us that the kinds of harm we must guard children against include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional harm, neglect, and exploitation.
The Territorial Mission Team presented a meaningful musical and dramatic piece that brought the issue of abuse close to home. Their message was clear: We cannot stay silent. We must notice what’s happening around us—and respond with compassion and courage.
Captain Nonhlanhla Maphalala, the Territorial Youth Secretary, turned our focus to Scripture, reading from Matthew 18:6 (NIV): “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” The TYS reminded us that Jesus was clear about the seriousness of how children should be treated—and that we, too, must take this seriously.
Captain Nonhlanhla raised important cautions: We must not only speak about protecting children but be willing to follow through with action. We must not let culture silence our concern. And we must stop trying to keep abuse hidden behind closed doors or within families. These things need to be brought into the light where healing and justice can begin. She also shared Isaiah 1:17 (NIV) as a strong reminder of our calling: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
To close, Captain Sindi Nkosi lit a candle—a symbol that even in the darkest situations, God’s light can break through. It was a gentle reminder that there is always hope when we choose to act. Khayelihle Khoza then led the THQ family in making a pledge—a commitment to protect children, to speak out, and to do our part in creating safe spaces for the young ones in our communities.
Major Vukani Nkosi sealed the time in prayer, asking God to give us wisdom, strength, and boldness to be people who don’t look away but stand up for what’s right.
Because every child matters—and silence is not an option.