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Mchunu prioritises fight against GBV

Location: News

Mchunu prioritises fight against GBV

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has reiterated government’s intensifying efforts to tackle gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), and organised crime and corruption.

Speaking at the inaugural National Policing Summit in Kempton Park, Gauteng, Mchunu highlighted the urgency of addressing crimes targeting women and children, which he described as a top priority.

“We are very concerned about this, and it is our priority. We are equally concerned about the murder rate in the country, the easy availability of firearms -- especially illegal firearms -- and drugs,” Mchunu said on Tuesday.

The summit, themed “Efficiency in Action: Optimising South Africa's Policing Potential”, aligns with Chapter 12 of the National Development Plan (NDP), which focuses on building safer communities by 2030. 

The three-day event brings together police leaders, crime experts, and stakeholders to evaluate SAPS strategies and chart a way forward.

Mchunu noted the recent decline in third-quarter crime statistics but said the overall levels remain unacceptably high. He identified organised crime, including gang violence, kidnappings, extortion, cash-in-transit heists, and stock theft, as a major contributor to crime in the country.

“We believe we can substantially minimise, if not eliminate, gang-related violence in the country,” he said.

Efforts are underway to bolster border security in collaboration with the Border Management Authority and the Department of Home Affairs, Mchunu said. He also acknowledged the pressing issue of internal corruption within the SAPS, stating that decisive measures are being taken.

The summit will address key focus areas such as proactive policing, infrastructure, crime intelligence, and the integration of technology. Mchunu revealed plans to implement a restructured SAPS organisational model designed to enhance crime-fighting capacity.

On the technology front, SAPS is set to pilot automated police stations and digitise its docket management system. Partnerships with the private sector will support these initiatives, including the expansion of forensic laboratories and the introduction of an electronic laboratory (e-lab).

Mchunu said the outcomes of a recent SAPS Employee Health and Wellness Workshop will contribute to the summit’s deliberations, aiming to improve morale and overall well-being within the service.

“We have a number of identified projects which we will implement together with business. Amongst these are automating police stations and digitising our docket management systems.”

The summit includes breakaway sessions on modern policing strategies, technology, intelligence-led investigations, and workforce development. Participants will share best practices, explore innovative approaches, and strengthen networks aimed at improving public safety. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 04/08/2025 - 12:22
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Eastern Cape government reaffirms commitment to combat GBVF

Location: News

Eastern Cape government reaffirms commitment to combat GBVF

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) across the province.

This follows recent incidents, including the alleged rape of a seven-year-old girl at Bergview College in Matatiele, and the recent judgment in the Timothy Omotoso case, in which the accused was found not guilty.

Televangelist Omotoso was acquitted in the Gqeberha High Court on 32 serious charges, including allegations of rape, racketeering, human trafficking, and other crimes.

These events have left many survivors and citizens feeling disheartened.

In response to the GBVF incidents, particularly the case in Matatiele, the Ministry of Police has deployed urgent and coordinated interventions. These include intensified law enforcement efforts and the deployment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) specialised Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit to assist with the investigations.

The Department of Social Development has also stepped in to provide psychosocial support to the victim and her family.

In a statement issued on Monday, the provincial government said Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane had reached out to the family to offer reassurance and reaffirm government’s commitment to pursuing justice.

National support was also extended, with the Minister of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, and Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta visiting the family to provide encouragement.

The provincial government said communities across South Africa, and the Eastern Cape in particular, have long been grappling the devastating impact of GBV, a persistent scourge that continues to disproportionately affect women and children.

It noted that the recent incidents serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of young girls and boys, and the ongoing threat of violence that shadows many lives.

Mabuyane underscored the severity of the situation, saying that the provincial government recognises the gravity of these crimes and views the interventions as essential to “our broader efforts to protect vulnerable groups and ensure that justice is served”.

Mabuyane urged victims and their families not to suffer in silence, calling on anyone who has experienced or witnessed GBVF to report these crimes to law enforcement.

“We understand the courage it takes to come forward [and] we are here to walk that difficult journey with you. Government has systems in place to provide both psychosocial support and legal assistance to survivors,” the Premier said.

Mabuyane called on communities not to lose faith in the justice system, adding that “the fight against GBVF cannot be won overnight, nor can it be won without public participation”.

While acknowledging the frustration that arises when justice is delayed or denied, Mabuyane emphasised the importance of continued engagement with the justice system.

“We must continue to push for accountability, protection, and justice.”

The Premier reaffirmed the provincial government’s resolute commitment to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

He also reiterated that the Eastern Cape Provincial Government will continue to collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, and community structures to ensure that "no victim is left behind and no perpetrator escapes accountability".

“In the face of heinous crimes, it is understandable that public trust in the justice system may be shaken. Justice may sometimes appear slow, and outcomes not always satisfactory, but now more than ever, it is vital that communities remain engaged.

“Cooperation, information-sharing, and support for victims are essential to bringing perpetrators to book. Losing faith risks creating a culture of impunity. The Eastern Cape sends a clear message: Gender-based violence will not be tolerated,” Mabuyane said.

The provincial government remains steadfast in its commitment to working with all stakeholders to create safer, more inclusive and just communities across the province. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 04/07/2025 - 14:28
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Young voices make their mark at Africa Children’s Summit 2025

Location: News

Young voices make their mark at Africa Children’s Summit 2025

Children have taken centre stage to address critical issues affecting their lives, from education access to violence prevention, proving that they are not just future leaders but active changemakers.

This is according to the Department of Social Development, which has hosted the Africa Children’s Summit 2025.

Since its opening last week Friday, the summit has brought together some of the brightest and courageous young leaders in person from across Africa, with hundreds joining virtually. 

The children who attended in person are from South Africa, South Sudan, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Ghana, Liberia, Mozambique, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

In a statement, the department said the summit was child-led and child-centred, with its chairperson and programme facilitators all drawn from children invited to the summit. 

“Under the theme 'Seen, Heard, and Engaged in Education,' the children have boldly taken centre stage to address critical issues affecting their lives, from education access to violence prevention, proving that they are not just future leaders but active changemakers today,” the department said. 

One of the child leaders, 17-year-old Ison Cumbane from Mozambique, captured the spirit of the summit when he said: “Many children don’t have the opportunity to speak about their rights. We are here to give a voice to them and show that we can participate and influence decisions.”

The summit wraps up in Johannesburg today.

The child-led initiative is hosted by the South African Government through the Department of Social Development, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.

An Outcome Statement will be crafted by the children themselves, which will be handed over to the CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and other key policymakers.

“The Outcome Statement outlines actionable recommendations for governments and civil society to implement policies that prioritise children’s voices and rights across Africa,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 04/07/2025 - 11:12
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Work continues to solve Matatiela rape case 

Location: News

Work continues to solve Matatiela rape case 

No effort will be spared in bringing the responsible parties to account in the case of the alleged sexual assault of a seven-year-old child in Matatiele, says Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

“What I can promise, on behalf of the Ministry of Police and the SAPS [South African Police Service] is that we are committed to upholding the law and ensuring that justice is served,” Mchunu said.

The Minister was addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday.

“This is a matter that transcends individual tragedy, and we acknowledge the deep emotional impact it has had on our communities,” said the Minister, adding that the Eastern Cape matter is a sensitive one that police are handling and dealing with, with great sensitivity.

“When the matter first came to our attention earlier this year, we sent a warrant officer to investigate the matter, interact with the complainant and the investigating officer, whilst looking at other related matters.

“In the initial report we received from the warrant officer, we came to learn that the incident occurred in October last year, and a case was formally opened on the 16th of October 2024, following [the] medical examination of the minor and session with a social worker.”

The Minister said from the report provided by the warrant officer, police concluded that the matter could have been handled better and still needed intervention.

“We then realised that we needed to reinforce the team and have a dedicated officer on the matter. After the handling of the matter by the various offices, one critical aspect which has continued to present a serious challenge is the matter around DNA. DNA testing was done on the victim, with no foreign DNA having been found,” he explained.

Three persons of interest have since emerged and following that, further DNA processing is underway as the investigation continues.

“A thorough investigation is now fully underway, and I can assure you that we are consulting with all relevant role players to ensure that every aspect of this matter is examined carefully and comprehensively.”

Additionally, he said the track record of the Family Violence, Child Protection (FCS) Unit remains commendable with more than 35 500 gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) suspects arrested in the last two years.

READ | FCS unit deployed to boost Matatiele case 

“During the same period, 4500 accused were convicted to time in prison for GBVF related crimes and notably, 660 of them were sentenced to life in prison. This indeed, must illustrate the seriousness at which the SAPS treats victims of GBVF related crimes especially those involving young children,” Mchunu said.

Citing police success in dealing with gender-based violence cases, Mchunu said in the past week alone, 259 rape suspects were arrested.

“This week, we have also welcomed the arrest of a 58-year-old male educator on Monday afternoon, 31 March 2025, for an alleged rape incident of a 13-year-old female learner in the Capricorn District of Limpopo. The Educator has appeared before the Mankweng Magistrates Court and is facing a charge of rape.”

Police will continue to support the family and the victim through the Employee Health and Wellness unit, including any other aspects related to the case. 

“We assure the affected family of our full support and commitment to this case,” he said.

On Saturday, the Ministry of Police assured members of the public that law enforcement is actively investigating two incidences involving the rape of minors in the Eastern Cape.

This was after the Ministry took note of calls on various social media platforms regarding the tragic violation of the two minors in two separate incidences in October and November last year.

In both incidences, the suspects have been identified and were arrested. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Fri, 04/04/2025 - 14:54
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All systems go for Africa Children’s Summit

Location: News

All systems go for Africa Children’s Summit

The voices of children across the continent will be amplified when more than 1000 children from the African region take part in the upcoming 2nd Biennial Africa Children’s Summit.

South Africa through the Department of Social Development, in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, will be hosting the second Africa Children’s Summit, scheduled to take place at St John’s College in Parktown, Johannesburg, from 4-7 April 2025.

The summit forms part of a series of activities during the country's Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20), which will culminate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November this year.

The summit aims to promote child-centred dialogue and advocacy; empower children as agents of change and ensure inclusive and equitable participation.

It also aims to provide evidence-based policy recommendations; strengthen collaboration across sectors and regions on the continent; review and advance progress; raise awareness and mobilise for national and regional action.

The child-led summit, which aims to amplify the voices of children in policymaking and decision-making processes across the continent, is also aligned to the African Union (AU) Agenda 2040, and the recent Bogotá 2024 Global Commitment to Ending Violence Against Children.

With just one day remaining before the highly anticipated summit, Social Development Minister, Nokuzola Tolashe, said it was all systems go, ahead of the start of the summit on Friday.

Addressing the media on South Africa’s state of readiness to host the summit in Cape Town on Wednesday, Tolashe said of the 54 states in Africa, 17 have confirmed participation.

“The Summit will bring together 1 300 children from 10-17 years from all five African regions, with around 300 children expected to attend in-person and about 1000 children expected to participate virtually.”

She added that the landmark gathering is aimed at championing child participation and shaping the future trajectory of the African continent with inputs from children.

This follows the inaugural summit held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2023.

The child-led summit emphasises the importance of children’s agency under the saying “Nothing about us without us”.

“The summit creates a platform … for accelerated action needed to realise the full enjoyment of the human rights and freedoms of all children on the African continent. Because it is led by children themselves, it gives them a collective voice to share their views and hold African leaders and governments to account on key issues affecting them.

“These include democracy, emerging technologies and climate change, promoting inclusive education for all children, [the]role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, addressing school violence [and] gender-based violence (GBV) against children, amongst others,” Tolashe said.

The Minister also highlighted that the child-friendly programme will feature a dynamic and inclusive structure that is designed to maximise engagement, encourage meaningful participation, and foster intergenerational dialogue.

The structure includes a blend of plenaries, panels, workshops, exhibitions, and cultural events, with hybrid components to enhance accessibility. 

Children living with disabilities 

The host has also ensured the inclusion of about 50 children with disabilities in the summit.

“Children with disabilities are among the most vulnerable people on the continent. Recent reports point to the harsh realities of their daily lives and that children with disabilities are twice as likely to be victims of sexual abuse as their non-disabled peers.

“Both the CRC [United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child] and the African Children’s Charter, put an obligation on the African State to promote the development of all children, [and] where possible prevent disabilities, and realise the rights of children with disabilities,” Tolashe said.

The CRC is a human rights convention that sets out the civil, political, economic, social, health and cultural rights of children. It was the first international convention that the newly elected democratic government ratified on 16 June 1996.

Tolashe ensured the safety and well-being of the children attending the summit, as the State Security Agency conducted a thorough security vetting, including background checks of 82 caregivers who will be accompanying child delegates at the summit.  – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK
Wed, 04/02/2025 - 13:28
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FCS unit deployed to boost Matatiele case 

Location: News

FCS unit deployed to boost Matatiele case 

The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has tasked the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations (FCS) unit to bolster and oversee the ongoing investigation into the alleged rape of a seven-year-old girl in Matatiele.

The FCS unit has 176 units across the country and its investigators are responsible for investigating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) related cases, electronic crimes as well as sexual offences cases involving women, children and vulnerable groups.

In a statement on Tuesday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said that the head of the FSC, Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele, was meeting with the investigating team to ensure due diligence is conducted in this case and that the chain of evidence was properly preserved.

On Saturday, the Ministry of Police assured members of the public that law enforcement is actively investigating two incidences involving the rape of minors in the Eastern Cape.

This comes after the Ministry took note of calls on various social media platforms regarding the tragic violation of the two minors in two separate incidences in October and November last year.

READ | Law enforcement is attending to Eastern Cape rape cases

In both incidences, the suspects have been identified and were arrested.

In the statement on Tuesday, the police said the Major Gen Lekhele will meet with persons of interests and key stakeholders such as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure justice and the finalisation of the matter.

“Bringing criminals to book and putting perpetrators of crime behind bars remains a key priority for the SAPS. The SAPS assures the nation that justice will prevail and those that are found to be guilty of any offence will be brought to book,” said the police.

It further added that a comprehensive report will follow on conclusion of the work of the team led by Component Head for the FCS.

“The SAPS also calls for responsible social media reporting on this sensitive matter,” it said. -SAnews.gov.za 
 

Edwin
Wed, 04/02/2025 - 10:53

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NICD warns of increase in cases of respiratory diphtheria

Location: News

NICD warns of increase in cases of respiratory diphtheria

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has urged citizens to check their children’s vaccination status due to a rise in diphtheria cases in the country.

Since the beginning of 2025, up until 23 March, diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, has been confirmed in 40 people in South Africa.

Of these cases, 19 exhibited symptoms, while 21 were asymptomatic.

“These asymptomatic individuals were carriers identified during contact tracing,” the statement read.

According to data from the NICD, there were 15 reported cases of respiratory diphtheria in the Western Cape, two cases in Gauteng, three cases in Mpumalanga, and one probable case in Limpopo.

Laboratory tests did not confirm the case from Limpopo, but the person exhibited symptoms consistent with respiratory diphtheria.

Over 78% of the cases have occurred in adults aged 18 and older.

Among the symptomatic cases, the public health institute said it was important to note that nine people have died, resulting in a case fatality rate of 27% (nine out of 33 cases) since the beginning of 2024.

“Adults who have not had a diphtheria vaccine in the last 10 years are urged to seek vaccination at a clinic or with their usual healthcare provider.

“Pregnant women are advised to get the vaccine with each pregnancy to protect the baby from diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.”

Diphtheria is a contagious, severe, vaccine-preventable illness usually associated with a sore throat, fever, and large, swollen glands in the neck.

The NICD said this illness is sometimes called a “bull neck”, and on examining a patient, the doctor will see a characteristic adherent membrane over the tonsils and the throat, also known as a “pseudomembrane”.

“If not treated early, the public health institute said diphtheria causes difficulty in breathing and can lead to complete blockage of the airway and death. The organism also produces a toxin that affects the heart muscle, kidneys, and nervous system, leading to life-threatening illness.”

Treatment is with diphtheria antitoxin to neutralise the toxin produced by the bacterium and appropriate antibiotics to eradicate the organism, which should be given early to be effective.

The NICD is encouraging doctors and healthcare workers to be on high alert for suspected diphtheria cases and are urged to report cases on the Notifiable Medical Condition app or the NICD website.

The NICD said the best protection against diphtheria is vaccination.

Infant vaccine is given at six, 10, and 14 weeks of age, with booster doses at 18 months and six and 12 years.

The available vaccines include Dt (diphtheria and tetanus) and DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis or whooping cough). – SAnews.gov.za 
 

 

Gabisile
Mon, 03/31/2025 - 09:41
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Committee on Women, Youth and Persons With Disabilities Wraps Its KZN Oversight Visit

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has today wrapped its week-long oversight visit to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province where it assessed critical government programmes that included gender equality, youth development, gender-based violence (GBV), and the inclusion of children with disabilities in the education system.

The committee chose KZN province for the March oversight due to the challenges that the province experiences. The challenges that include high rate of teen pregnancies and the highest reported incidents of rape in the country. GBV remains a top priority for the committee.

The committee evaluated the implementation of the Sanitary Dignity Programme, which the province has touted as a best practice model. The committee raised concerns over inequality regarding the allocation of resource. Some girls received more sanitary products and others less, a very unfair situation.

During its visit at the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), the committee emphasised the need for improved visibility of the Commission and its accessibility to the people it was established for. The committee noted that the location of CGE offices in the Durban CBD makes it inaccessible to those who stay in deep rural areas. The committee has urged the CGE to consider relocating its offices and utilising government mobile units for accessibility to its clients.

At the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), the committee recommended that the agency improves its outreach by using municipal offices and mobile vehicles to connect with the youth, especially in rural areas. Furthermore, it urged the NYDA to address diversity concerns among its coordinators.

The committee also visited Umlazi Police Station where it engaged with Rapid Response Teams (RRT) on infrastructure problems, high incidences of GBV, and the impact of liquor outlets in the area. Members of the committee expressed concerns over the backlog at forensic labs and called for improved staffing ratios.

The committee visited the Arthur Blaxall School where it noted the lack of maintenance and the crumbling infrastructure. The committee expressed a concern over the socio-economic challenges faced by learners, health problems, and the lack of parental involvement. At the KZN Blind and Deaf Society, which the committee also visited, it noted a lot of problems that included non-accreditation of courses offered. It also called on the management of the institution to forge partnerships with accredited organisations.

In a meeting with the Office of the Premier and the Standing Committee on Quality of Life, the committee received a briefing on the Premier's Women's Empowerment and Youth Empowerment Fund on new initiatives aimed at combating GBV. The committee appreciated the Premier's Office for its commitment to protect vulnerable people and it acknowledged the collaborative efforts that are applied to address the problems experienced by the people.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Cabinet welcomes hemp and cannabis food product regulations withdrawal

Location: News

Cabinet welcomes hemp and cannabis food product regulations withdrawal

Cabinet has welcomed the withdrawal of the Department of Health's regulations that banned the sale of hemp and cannabis food products, according to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

This week the Presidency announced that Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi will retract these regulations following a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

”Whilst acknowledging the negative impact of the unregulated sale of hemp and cannabis food products on possible consumption by children, such regulations must be fully consulted, must not be in contempt of the Constitutional Court Judge, and must not contravene the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act,” the Minister told journalists in Pretoria on Thursday during a post-Cabinet media briefing. 

President Ramaphosa reaffirmed his commitment to increasing stakeholder consultation and public participation in developing new regulations that will reduce health risks and the negative impact of food products containing cannabis and hemp, especially concerning minors. 

“In light of further stakeholder consultations, the Minister of Health will withdraw the Regulations under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act (Foodstuffs Act) to prohibit the sale, importation, and manufacture of foodstuffs containing hemp and cannabis. 

“The Department of Health will continue to consult broadly before publishing the revised regulations,” the Presidency added.

In addition, Ntshavheni said on Thursday that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is coordinating an interdepartmental draft regulation for the implementation of the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:46
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SA, DRC strengthen ties amid security concerns

Location: News

SA, DRC strengthen ties amid security concerns

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has met with his counterpart from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Thérèse Kayiwamba Wagner, to enhance bilateral cooperation and address ongoing security challenges.

During the political consultations, Lamola expressed his condolences due to the turmoil affecting the Congolese people, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children. 

“The security situation in the eastern Democratic of the Congo is fragile and is cause for concern. Many people have lost their lives and, millions, especially women and children, have been displaced,” he said on Thursday. 

He noted that the United Nations Security Council had convened multiple emergency sessions to address the crisis.

“The United Nations Security Council convened no less than three emergency sessions to review developments in the eastern DRC. Similarly, our regional and continental organisations have also met and called for a ceasefire, an end to hostilities, facilitation of humanitarian assistance, and a return to the peace talks.

“The people of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo are yearning for peace and normalcy. We dare not fail them.” 

South Africa has pledged its unwavering support for peace efforts in the region as it backs ongoing mediation initiatives aimed at achieving a long-term resolution to the conflict. 

Lamola highlighted the appointment of former President Kgalema Motlanthe to the mediation team, stressing his extensive political experience as an asset in the quest for peace.

“We have no doubt that with his vast political experience, former President Motlanthe will be an asset to the team,” he added. 

Lamola and Wagner, the DRC Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Francophonie, reviewed the state of bilateral relations during their meeting and reflected on the commitments made during the recent Bi-National Commission (BNC) session.

“We should examine progress in our joint efforts of promoting trade and investment between our countries, an area which is critical to the growth of our respective economies and the improvement of the lives and livelihoods of our people.”

As South African companies show increased interest in investing in the DRC, Lamola encouraged both nations to create the necessary conditions for these investments and announced that the country’s development finance institutions are also willing to extend and expand their coverage.

“Working together I am confident that we will create the necessary conditions for these investments to be realised,” he added.

The two countries plan to convene a comprehensive review of BNC outcomes in the coming months, setting the stage for the next session later this year.

Lamola said Wagner’s visit was a testament to the commitment of both nations to foster a stronger partnership. 

“Senior officials should be directed to put their shoulders to the wheel to follow through all the tasks that have been agreed to but remain outstanding.” 

Lamola and Wagner were joined by the Ministers of Defence from both locally and the DRC. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Thu, 03/27/2025 - 13:03

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Uganda: Deputy Speaker Tayebwa Calls for More Funds for Child Disability Benefit

Location: News

Parliament of the Republic of Uganda
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Uganda is set to introduce a National Child Disability Benefit to support families raising children with disabilities.

This was the focus of the National Child Benefit High-Level Dialogue Meeting organized by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in partnership with UNICEF and held at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel on Wednesday, 26 March 2025.

The event, themed “Towards inclusive social protection: exploring a child disability benefit for Uganda,” brought together government officials, legislators, and development partners.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, emphasized that disability support is a right, not a privilege, and criticized the Shs3 billion initial allocation, calling it inadequate and urging the government to commit at least Shs10 billion to the initiative.

“If we are to start this as a fund, let's be serious. It would be a betrayal to the disability movement to allocate such a small amount,” Tayebwa stated.

He praised the Ministry of Gender for its efforts in supporting vulnerable groups but raised concerns about the potential misuse of funds by irresponsible parents.

“This money should improve the welfare of children, not serve as compensation for parents,” he cautioned.

Gender Minister Betty Amongi explained that families caring for disabled children face extra financial burdens, with 50 percent  of such households living in extreme poverty.

“This benefit will help cover costs like transport, medicine, and rehabilitation support. A child with disabilities requires more financial support than their siblings,” she said.

She also highlighted the gendered impact of caregiving, noting that many fathers abandon mothers of disabled children, leaving them to shoulder the burden alone.

State Minister for Disability Affairs, Hellen Asamo, urged a shift in societal attitudes, recalling her own struggles growing up with a disability.

“I didn't go to school like my siblings—I was given a shortcut. We must stop thinking for people with disabilities and instead ask them what they need,” she said.

She warned against overprotection and exclusion, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies.

Aggrey Kibenge, Permanent Secretary at the Gender Ministry, reaffirmed the government's commitment to disability inclusion, outlining plans for regular cash transfers to families as part of the benefit.

UNICEF Country Representative, Robin Nandy, praised Uganda's social protection efforts, highlighting the economic benefits of investing in disability support.

“Every shilling invested in a child disability benefit can generate up to Shs2.5 in the economy,” he noted.

Uganda aims to learn from countries like Kenya and South Africa, which have successfully implemented similar programmes. Parliament, through the Deputy Speaker and attending MPs, pledged full support to ensure children with disabilities receive the care and assistance they need.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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