Delft children to march against abuse, violence and crime

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Various child advocacy groups are set to march in the streets of Delft on Saturday against abuse, violence and crime. The march is organised by Molo Songololo with and for child participants of the Girl Power Against Violence project funded by the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund; and supported by community and government stakeholders of the Delft Childcare and Protection Forum.

COURTESY: Molo Songololo


According to the latest crime statistics (January – March 2025), Delft is the murder capital of the Western Cape; recorded the most cases of sexual offences (67); second provincially for rape and kidnapping.

Molo Songololo’s Girl Power Against Violence Project aims to empower girls and promote safety for girls in Delft, adopting a child participation approach. The Children’s march, initiated in 2024, forms part of the process to empower and support children to be change makers for peace and safety in their community.

Director, Patric Solomon, says for 2025, the children’s march aims to mobilise everyone, children, youth, parents, caregivers, community members, organisations and government officials to work together and prioritise the safety and protection of children at home, school and in the community.

‘’Delft is a very violent place. Many children live in fear and feel unsafe at home, school and on the streets. Bullying, fights, extortion, sexual harassment and abuses by children against children are rife,’’ said Solomon.

The Children also drafted a plea and was approved on behalf of members of the Girl Power against Violence groups from 8 schools in Delft, with inputs from children who took part in the consultation and poster making workshop help on 31 May 2025 at Welwitschia Primary School.

‘’We, the children of the Delft Children’s March for Peace and Safety 2025, call on children, youth, parents, caregivers, and community members, organisations and government stakeholders to make a commitment to promote and work together for a peaceful, safe, clean and respectful community for children and everyone in Delft…

‘’Children have ‘allot of beef with each other’ and often gang up against those they don’t like. Many do not report the bad things that happens to them. If they do, they fear ’revenge attacks’. Some children feel that adults (parents, educators, police, etc.) “can’t help them, turn a blind eye, blame them, or simply do not care”. And those with special needs and disabilities are most vulnerable.’’

‘’We therefore wish for everyone to work together, to support positive values, attitudes, behaviour, and the rights and protection of children. And promote peaceful, safe and clean spaces for children and everyone in Delft,’’ it said.

SCREENSHOT of children's pledge


The march on Saturday starts at 10am and ends around 2p.m at Welwitschia Primary School, Welwitscha Road, Delft South.

Done by: Mitchum George

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