DPM warns: Stop violating young boys

Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla has revealed a growing number of cases involving the sexual violation of young boys, with minors allegedly being abused by adults.

Speaking during a press briefing at the DPM’s office boardroom yesterday, Dladla strongly condemned the acts, describing them as disgraceful and destructive to the livelihoods of the affected children.

She expressed deep concern over cases reported to her office, highlighting that children must be protected from all forms of abuse to safeguard their physical and emotional wellbeing.

According to the DPM, some of the victims were as young as nine years old. The severity of certain cases required urgent intervention from her office to provide support to affected children. Survivors had in some instances sustained serious injuries, necessitating provision of basic necessities, including diapers, due to physical trauma.

“These are extremely painful situations,” Dladla said, emphasising that the impact of abuse extends far beyond physical harm, often leaving children with deep emotional and psychological scars affecting their development and future wellbeing.

Warning to Adults

Dladla specifically warned gay adults against targeting or influencing minors. She stressed that adults’ personal lifestyles must remain among consenting adults and must never involve children.

“If people want to be gay, they should do so among themselves and with other consenting adults,” she said. Children, she noted, are innocent and vulnerable, and exposing them to abuse places them at serious risk of lifelong trauma.

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Child protection advocates have long highlighted the devastating consequences of sexual abuse, including negative impacts on mental health, education, and the ability to form healthy relationships later in life. Dladla stressed that early intervention and continuous psychosocial support are essential in helping survivors recover from such traumatic experiences.

Call to Action

The Deputy Prime Minister called on parents, communities, teachers, and traditional leaders to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases to authorities for swift action.

“Children depend on us as adults to protect them; we must not remain silent when their safety is threatened,” Dladla said.

She concluded by urging the nation to work together to end child abuse, stressing that every child deserves to grow up in a safe and supportive environment.

“No child should ever experience such suffering. As a country, we must stand together to protect our children and ensure their future is secure,” she said.