Cape Town, 01 April 2025 – The Minister of Social Development, Ms. Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, will hold a media briefing on the state of readiness for the upcoming Bi-Annual Africa Children’s Summit, scheduled to take place from 4–7 April 2025 in Johannesburg. The briefing will also address the alarming increase in cases of violence against children in South Africa.
The summit, hosted in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, will bring together 1,300 children from across the African continent. The event will take place at Roedean Senior School and St John’s College in Parktown, Johannesburg, serving as a platform for children to engage in discussions about issues affecting their well-being, review past summit recommendations, and propose tangible solutions.
The 2025 Africa Children’s Summit (ACS 2025) comes at a critical time, as South Africa grapples with a series of sexual violence cases involving minors. Minister Tolashe has expressed deep concern over these incidents and is expected to outline the Department of Social Development’s response during the media briefing. She will also highlight ongoing measures to combat violence against children and safeguard their rights.
“The safety of our children must be a national priority. There are no longer safe spaces for them, and we must take every measure to end this scourge of violence,” stated Minister Tolashe.
Media Briefing Details:
Date: Wednesday, 02 April 2025
Time: 10h00
Venue: Imbizo Media Centre, Parliament, Cape Town
Journalists interested in attending the briefing are requested to confirm their attendance with the following media contacts:
- Ms. Nandipha Totie – Nandipha@gcis.gov.za
- Ms. Nomfundo Xulu-Lentsoane – NomfundoLe@dsd.gov.za or 066 480 6845
- Mr. Anzio Jacobs – AnzioJ@nmcf.co.za or 082 570 4919
Media inquiries can be directed to:
- Mr. Bathembu Futshane – BathembuF@dsd.gov.za or 071 162 1154
This briefing is expected to provide insight into South Africa’s preparedness for the ACS 2025 and reaffirm the country’s commitment to protecting its children from violence and exploitation.
Issued by GCIS on behalf of the Department of Social Development.