Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698830241300.pdf (South Africa)
_________________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL ASSEMBLY QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NUMBER: 2644 DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 NOVEMBER 2021 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 29 - 2021 2644 Ms L H Arries (EFF) to ask the Minister of Social Development: What are the details of the measures that have been put in place by her department in the past three financial years to abolish forced marriages of minor children?
NW3127E REPLY: Under the Children’s Act (Act No.

38 of 2005), child marriage is a criminal offence punishable by law.

Child marriage is in essence an abuse and exploitation of children.

It denies their right to education, to sexual reproductive health and to a future in which they make their own decisions.

The Department of Social Development has developed and implemented a number of initiatives in collaboration with key departments and civil society organisations.
The programmes are targeted at areas where harmful cultural practices such as ukuthwala are prevalent.

The outreach programmes are focused on community dialogues with both parents/caregivers and children about children’s rights including protection of children from abuse and exploitation and reporting of cases of child marriages.
There are also ongoing advocacy programmes on gender equality, intersectoral training and capacity building to strengthen the knowledge base of stakeholders in order to prevent and protect children from child marriages and harmful cultural practices.

The initiatives are part of the 365 days child protection campaign with a dedicated Child Protection Month that is commemorated annually with participation from government and non- governmental organisations, religious and traditional leaders.
Radio talk shows and other media platforms are utilised to reach children, parents, caregivers and communities, communicating in their respective languages.

Furthermore, education is also offered on sexual offences, in particular, statutory rape as children cannot consent to sex as per provisions of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007.
The Department of Social Development has also embarked on skills development initiatives to empower girls, families and communities through sustainable livelihood programmes and cooperatives to reduce poverty in communities which often sees a girl child being traded for financial rewards.

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