Schools which should be safe spaces for learning and growth. Often become environments where girls are vulnerable to abuse by those entrusted with their care. Media coverage of such sensitive issues carries a critical ethical responsibility to report accurately while protecting the rights, dignity, and safety of survivors.
In this case City press’s article titled, “From rape to forced abortions: Eastern Cape schoolgirls break the silence on sexual abuse” (19/10/2025) receives a MAD[1] for failing to protect these rights. The article sheds light on the terrible experiences of schoolgirls in the Eastern Cape who have faced sexual abuse including rape and pressured to abort. These survivors, some as young as 13, have come forward to expose the systemic failures within their schools and the broader education system. The article highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to protect children and ensure accountability within educational institutions.
Despite its critical role in bringing attention to a severe issue the journalist interviews these traumatised children and identifies the name of the school along with their ages. This means that teachers or staff at the school could easily recognise the girls, putting them at risk of further victimisation, harassment or harm. Ethical journalism on children requires removing or disguising all identifiers to ensure the safety and dignity of survivors.
By interviewing the children, City Press went against Section 8.1 of the Press Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media[2] which states, “The press shall therefore exercise exceptional care and consideration when reporting about children under the age of 18. When there is any chance that coverage might cause harm of any kind to a child, he or she shall not be interviewed, photographed or identified without the consent of a legal guardian or of a similarly responsible adult and the child (taking into consideration the evolving capacity of the child); and a public interest is evident.
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) urges City Press to retract the naming of schools and interviews from the article in order to protect the children’s rights and welfare, especially as investigations into the crime are still ongoing. City Press can use this opportunity to explain to readers the importance of withholding such information when reporting on children who have been involved in traumatic incidents.
We look forward to reading better informed reports on issues involving children.
Written By Msizi Mzolo
Edited by Ntombifuthi Kubeka
[1] MADs are given to journalists for irresponsible reporting that subjects children to potential harm.