The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) sets a strong example for responsible journalism through its detailed reporting on important child protection issues. This work has earned the Media Monitoring Africa’s (MMA) GLAD[1] award. In its report on initiation-related deaths in the Eastern Cape, titled “Initiation Deaths Story” (23/01/2025), by Bongiwe Zwane and journalist Abongile Jantjies highlighted the troubling fact that over 370 people have died and more than 100 have suffered amputations since 2016. These incidents mainly result from illegal circumcision practices and dehydration during cultural initiation rites. The report included views from important figures, such as traditional leaders and government officials, stressing the need for urgent action and stricter enforcement of current laws. Chief Langa Mavuso called for accountability for those who break the rules, highlighting the need for better medical supervision and regulations to protect young initiates.
In addition to addressing initiation deaths, SABC also tackled the rising crisis of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in South Africa, “Rise in child pornography cases in South Africa” (21/01/2025) by Mfundo Mabalane. An interview with child rights expert Luke Lamprecht highlighted how technology, especially smartphones and cloud storage, has made it easier to create and share harmful images. Lamprecht pointed out that “every single image that people call child pornography is actually the image of the sexual abuse of a child,” which emphasises how serious these crimes are. He mentions that local law enforcement lacks the resources and training compared to international agencies like the FBI. Lamprecht called for better tools and training to effectively fight child exploitation.
Both interviews are good examples of responsible journalism. They provide clear, accurate information that helps the public understand important issues and encourages action. SABC includes expert opinions from fields like public health, law, and child rights. This adds depth and credibility to their stories. Their approach informs policymakers and helps the public grasp the complexities of these issues.
SABC can improve its reporting by including input from medical professionals about safer initiation practices. With winter initiation season approaching, it’s crucial to make these changes to prevent more tragedies. It should also focus on educating the public about online dangers, especially sextortion and the misuse of AI in creating child abuse content.
In South Africa, there are strong laws in place to protect the rights and well-being of children. The Children’s Act of 2005[2] is an important law aimed at stopping harmful cultural practices that could endanger children’s safety and growth. The Films and Publications Act of 1996[3] helps by making it illegal to sexually exploit minors, reinforcing the importance of protecting young people. Additionally, the Cybercrimes Act of 2020[4] addresses online exploitation, targeting threats that come with the digital age. Together, these laws create a solid framework for accountability and protection, ensuring that children are kept safe from various forms of exploitation, both in everyday life and online.
MMA values all journalistic efforts that show children as active participants in democracy rather than just victims. MMA’s principles promote stories that focus on children’s dignity and safety, avoid sensationalism, include expert opinions, and raise public awareness. By following these principles, SABC can remain a leader in ethical journalism and help improve child protection policies.
SABC’s coverage serves as a powerful example of how responsible media can highlight pressing societal issues while advocating for justice and reform in protecting vulnerable children.
Written by Tinotenda Bangajena.
Edited by Ntombifuthi Kubeka
[1] GLAD’s are awarded to media for reporting on children responsibly and for accessing them
[2] https://www.gov.za/documents/childrens-act
[3] https://www.gov.za/documents/films-and-publications-act
[4] https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202106/44651gon324.pdf