In a significant move to strengthen the safety and well-being of all children across the province, the Eastern Cape MEC for Social Development Bukiwe Fanta launched Child Protection Month today, 15 May 2025, at a significant venue. The launch, which aims to raise awareness about children’s rights and the importance of protecting them from abuse and neglect, took place at the Aurora Special Care and Stimulation Centre in Gqeberha.

The National Department of Social Development conducted an oversight visit to some schools in Amathole District that are beneficiaries of the Sanitary Dignity Programme.

The visits started at Byletts High school in Mooiplaas in Great Kei Municipality on Monday and Richard Msutu School in Adelaide in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality.

MEC Bukiwe Fanta took Social Development to one of the areas that have drawn media attention with a couple of gender related crime incidents reported in KwaMaqoma (formerly Fort Beaufort). This happened as government is building up to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign which begins on 25 November.