Engage and Connect

29/11/2025

ENGAGE AND CONNECT STATEMENT OF SUPPORT AGAINST SEXUAL INJUSTICE

Engage and Connect stands firmly with the brave mother and her daughter who have suffered unimaginable violation at the hands of someone who should have been a protector. We are deeply saddened and outraged by the traumatic ordeal they endured, and we condemn, in the strongest terms, the sexual abuse committed by the perpetrator, especially the shocking admission that this was not the first time he has harmed a child.

No child deserves to suffer such cruelty. No mother should carry this pain alone. This is not just a crime against an individual — it is a crime against humanity, dignity, and justice.

We call upon the South African Police Service (SAPS) to urgently intervene, ensure the arrest of the perpetrator, and fully investigate any past and present incidents connected to this case. Delayed action puts more children at risk. We expect swift protection, justice, and accountability.

We also urge all relevant stakeholders — including the Department of Social Development, Department of Health, community leaders, child protection services, counsellors, and women’s support organisations to rally behind this family. Let us provide the psychosocial support, legal guidance, and safe spaces they desperately need at this time.

Engage and Connect remains committed to raising awareness, advocating for justice, and supporting survivors of GBV, sexual abuse, and sexual injustice. We stand in solidarity with this mother and her daughter. We believe you. We support you. And we will continue to speak out until every child and woman in our communities is safe, protected, and heard.

No child should ever be violated. No woman should ever be silenced. Justice must be served.

23/10/2025

Every child deserves to learn in an environment that upholds their dignity and privacy, both in the classroom and online.

The Milnerton High School video is a painful reminder of how digital behaviour can deepen trauma. Let’s be the adults who protect, not amplify, a child’s pain.

🔎 Read the post below to understand what the law says and how we can all play a role in reporting, not sharing.

Let us keep our online spaces safe and respectful. If you come across harmful content, do not share it report it.

06/10/2025

🕊️ Engage and Connect SA Statement | Substance Abuse Awareness

Drugs are not just a social issue, they are a silent pandemic destroying families, futures, and communities.

What we witnessed at Mosiane View has shaken us deeply. 💔

A young man, under the influence of substance abuse, took the life of his own mother, a tragedy beyond comprehension.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and community.
May the soul of the mother rest in eternal peace. 🕊️

And may our hearts remain vigilant to the dangers that drugs continue to pose to our society.

We also recognize and commend the forensic team and police officers who responded to the horrifying scene with courage and professionalism.

This tragedy is a painful reminder that drug abuse is not just an individual problem, it’s a community emergency.

Let us unite in prevention, support, and education to protect our children and rebuild safer, healthier communities.

May God comfort the bereaved and guide our nation towards healing. 🙏

08/06/2025

29/05/2025

As South Africa observes Child Protection Week from May 29 to June 5, it's a timely reminder of the need to safeguard our children from abuse and exploitation. The statistics are alarming: over 106,000 cases of child r**e were reported in the past six years, with 90.1% of the victims being girls. Moreover, more than 38,800 sexual offences were recorded involving victims under the age of 18 in 2022/2023 alone.

The issue of child abuse is complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive approach to prevent, protect, and prosecute. Organizations like Sheltersuit South Africa are working to support vulnerable children by providing shelterbags, a specially designed sleeping bag with a built-in mattress and waterproof cover. Their efforts are commendable, and it's heartening to see them aiming to distribute 1000 shelterbags during Child Protection Week.

However, more needs to be done to address the systemic issues that lead to child abuse. The recent case of "Cwecwe", a seven-year-old girl allegedly r**ed at Bergview College in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, highlights the need for urgent action. The hashtag campaign garnered over 1 million signatures, demonstrating the public's outrage and demand for change.

Other disturbing cases, such as the disappearance of Joshlin Smith and the arrest of a 41-year-old man in connection with five cases of human trafficking and r**e, underscore the gravity of the situation. The discovery of nearly 100 undocumented children working in hazardous conditions among illegal miners in Stilfontein is another stark reminder of the need for collective action.

Let's use this Child Protection Week to raise awareness about the rights of children and the need to protect them from abuse. We can make a difference by supporting organizations that work tirelessly to safeguard our children. "Let's work together to create a safe and nurturing environment for all children in South Africa."

28/05/2025

Boipatong – Over 120 learners from Lebohang Secondary School were given a powerful message of encouragement and responsibility on Friday, 23 May 2025, during a major school outreach programme organized by Boipatong SAPS ...

06/05/2025

Gender-Based Violence, Alcohol, Drugs, and Substance Abuse in Educational Institutions

Gender-based violence (GBV), alcohol use, and substance abuse are critical issues affecting students in schools and educational institutions worldwide. These problems are interconnected and can significantly impact the health, safety, and academic performance of young people.

Prevalence of GBV in Educational Settings:

Research indicates that GBV is prevalent among female youths in educational institutions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic review found that the overall prevalence of GBV among female students ranged from 42.3% to 67.7%, with significant variations across different countries. The types of GBV reported include physical violence, sexual violence, and emotional abuse. This high prevalence highlights the urgent need for effective interventions to protect students and create safer learning environments.

Link Between Substance Abuse and GBV:

Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug use, has been identified as a significant risk factor for both perpetration and victimization of GBV. Studies show that individuals who consume alcohol are more likely to engage in violent behavior or become victims of violence. For instance, the SAVA syndemic framework illustrates how substance use co-occurs with GBV and HIV/AIDS, exacerbating the vulnerabilities faced by youth. In educational settings, this relationship can manifest through increased incidents of harassment, assault, and other forms of violence.

Impact on Academic Performance:

The consequences of GBV and substance abuse extend beyond immediate physical harm; they also affect students' academic performance. Victims of GBV often experience lower school achievement rates and higher dropout rates compared to their peers who have not experienced such violence. Additionally, substance abuse can impair cognitive functions and reduce motivation to engage in academic activities.

Need for Comprehensive Interventions:

To address these intertwined issues effectively, educational institutions must implement comprehensive strategies that encompass prevention programs focused on reducing both GBV and substance abuse. Such programs should include education on healthy relationships, awareness campaigns about the risks associated with alcohol and drugs, as well as support services for victims of violence. By fostering a safe environment free from violence and substance misuse, schools can enhance the overall well-being of their students.

In conclusion, tackling gender-based violence alongside alcohol and substance abuse is essential for promoting a safe educational environment where all students can thrive academically and personally.

05/05/2025

The relationship between school-related gender-based violence (GBV) and substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs, is complex and multifaceted. Research indicates that experiences of GBV in educational settings can lead to increased rates of substance use among affected individuals. Victims of gender-based violence often turn to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism to deal with the trauma and psychological distress associated with such experiences.

Studies have shown that both male and female students who experience bullying, harassment, or physical violence in schools are at a higher risk for engaging in substance abuse. For instance, girls who face sexual harassment may resort to alcohol or drug use as a means of escaping their emotional pain or as a misguided attempt to regain control over their lives. Similarly, boys who experience violence may use substances to mask feelings of vulnerability or inadequacy.

Moreover, the normalization of substance use within certain peer groups can exacerbate the cycle of violence and abuse. In environments where alcohol consumption is prevalent, there is often an increase in aggressive behaviors, which can further perpetuate incidents of GBV. The interplay between these factors highlights the need for comprehensive interventions that address both GBV and substance abuse concurrently.

In summary, school-related gender-based violence significantly correlates with increased risks of alcohol and drug use among students, necessitating targeted prevention strategies that consider both issues holistically.