Devastating Reality: Another Child's Life allegedly lost to Maternal Violence
Pretoria, 15 July 2025- Save the Children South Africa (SCSA) was devastated when the news of Jayden-Lee Meek's death first broke, our hearts were shattered by the loss of a bright and promising 11-year-old life. The thought of such a young boy being brutally taken from his family, friends and community was deeply destressing. Now, with the recent arrest of his mother in connection with his death, we are left grappling with a new wave of horror and grief. The revelation that a parent, someone who should have protected and nurtured him, is implicated in his death is a painful reminder of the darkest attitudes and views of our society.
Pretoria, 2 May 2025- Save the Children South Africa (SCSA) welcomes the guilty verdict in the Joshlin Smith case- a testament to the unwavering dedication of law enforcement and a beacon of hope for justice. Yet, it also lays bare the harsh reality of child abuse and exploitation that plagues our nation.
Child abuse is a heinous crime that leaves deep emotional, psychological and sometimes physical scars, often irreparable. South Africa's laws provide a framework for protection, but inconsistent implementation and enforcement leave children vulnerable. The Joshlin Smith case highlights the urgent need for collective action to safeguard our children.
42% of Children in South Africa Experience Violence: It's Time to Act
Gauteng, 30 April 2025- Today, on the International Day to End Corporal Punishment of Children, Save the Children South Africa (SCSA) stands unwavering in its commitment to protecting every child's fundamental right to a life free from violence. Despite South Africa's groundbreaking progress in prohibiting corporal punishment in all settings, the harsh reality is that many children continue to suffer in silence. The 2019 Constitutional Court ruling that struck down "reasonable chastisement" was a monumental step forward, positioning South Africa as a beacon of hope for child protection in Africa.
Children in other countries, but this is the first time they have engaged the South Africa
cohort.
