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The newly established Ad-Hoc Committee on Child Protection Reform of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament requests submissions from members of the public, civil society organisations and other stakeholders on what they would like to see addressed through its work. The committee, chaired by Wendy Kaizer-Philander, will also host an in-person engagement with stakeholders at the Multi-Purpose Centre in Saldanha Bay on Wednesday 25 March 2026 from 14:00.

The Ad-Hoc Committee on Child Protection Reform is mandated to consider and develop legislative, and policy proposals aimed at strengthening child protection systems in the Western Cape. It is also a coordinating mechanism across multiple portfolios impacting on children, ensuring a more aligned and effective response from all relevant stakeholders.

The report follows a two-day dialogue which brought together key stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, and oversight bodies to assess the current child protection landscape. The engagement was informed by concerning oversight findings that highlight the urgent need for enhanced intersectoral coordination, legislative reform, and stronger enforcement mechanisms to address child abuse, neglect, trafficking, and gaps in disability-inclusive services within both the criminal justice and child protection systems.

The committee was established after concerning oversight findings that highlight the urgent need for enhanced intersectoral coordination, legislative reform, and stronger enforcement mechanisms to address child abuse, neglect, trafficking, and gaps in disability-inclusive services within both the criminal justice system and child protection systems.

The six priority areas of the committee are: 

• Intersectoral coordination and governance
• Prevention, early intervention, and community-based services
• Inclusive and disability-sensitive child protection
• Child identity, legal documentation, and trafficking
• Therapeutic and mental health services for children
• Oversight, monitoring, and legislative reform

“Public input plays a critical role in shaping legislative and policy responses, that are responsive to the lived realities of children and communities across the Western Cape. All interested parties are encouraged to participate in this important process to ensure that the voices of communities are reflected in efforts to strengthen child protection,” says Kaizer-Philander.

Submissions can be made to the Ad-Hoc Committee on Child Protection Reform via email, for the attention of the Procedural Officer Nomonde Jamce, njamce@wcpp.gov.za, by Tuesday 24 March 2026.