A report by UNICEF analyzing children and adolescents in South Africa, found multi demensional poverty affected rural areas (88%) more than urban (41%).
The Child Support Grant, however, supports over 13 million children and has been critical in alleviating child poverty.
UNICEF South Africa’s Representative, Christine Muhigana, said “this report is an urgent call to action for all sectors to promote and protect the rights of every child and young person across the country. It is a roadmap for policymakers, the private sector, communities, and related stakeholders to create sustainable improvements in the lives of children and young people.”
While South Africa has seen progress in child survival rates, malnutrition and food insecurity persist.
Only 21% of children under five receive a minimum acceptable diet, with a 5% prevalence of wasting and 29% of stunting among young children, underscoring urgent nutritional challenges.
The report also points to an increase in the number of zero dose children, in all provinces, in both urban and rural areas.
It has also highlighted positive trends in school completion, with lower secondary completion rates reaching 94% in 2021, up from 86% in 2010. Yet disparities remain, as the upper secondary completion rate for Black children stands at 58%, compared to 96% for White children, reflecting ongoing inequalities.
In 2016, an estimated 78 percent of Grade 4 learners could not read a text for meaning in any language.
The report also highlights a significant gap in nationally representative data on violence against children. An estimated 58 percent of children aged 5-16, experienced direct victimization of sexual abuse and 52 percent experienced indirect victimization. More specifically, 25 percent of children aged 5-16 experienced family violence, 18 percent experienced physical abuse, 13 percent experienced emotional abuse and 12 percent experienced neglect.
South Africa ranks as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries. Climate-related risks, including water scarcity and extreme weather events, disproportionately impact impoverished children, affecting health, nutrition, and access to education.
Picture: CHOSA