By Ncaba Ntshakala
Community leaders in Bukeleni Chiefdom under Zombodze Emuva Inkhundla have raised serious concerns about a growing trend of children defying parental authority,
where they cited the Children’s Protection and Welfare Act (CPWA) of 2012 as a shield against discipline.
The issue emerged during a recent engagement between the Nhlangano AIDS Training Information and Counselling Centre (NATICC) and the Inner Council, where discussions focused on combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Teenage Pregnancy (TP).
The Children’s Protection and Welfare Act of 2012 is a legal document created to protect children and ensure their rights are respected.
The Eswatini government enacted the act to help keep families together and ensure a child is cared for by the family or parents or is placed in alternative care where there is no family.
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It also talks about the responsibilities of parents, guardians and all stakeholders involved in the care and welfare of children, including government departments, community leaders and community members for protecting children from abuse, harm and neglect, and to do this, many different services and resources need to be made available for children.
The Act also talks about the responsibilities of children.
Parents and community elders expressed frustration that their ability to instill discipline and guide children is being undermined by what they perceive as a misinterpretation of child protection laws.
While the CPWA of 2012 was designed to safeguard children’s rights and well-being, some children reportedly use it to reject parental guidance and authority, creating tensions within households.
Elders warned that this dynamic is weakening traditional family structures and contributing to broader social issues such as school indiscipline and risky behavior among youth.
The meeting, led by NATICC Program Manager Kenneth Makhanya, was part of a two-year intervention program (2025–2026) aimed at addressing GBV and TP in the community.
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During the session, the Inner Council acknowledged the importance of educating the public on human rights legislation but also emphasized that parental guidance remains crucial in shaping responsible citizens.
Another troubling issue raised was the failure to report teenage pregnancy cases, with many parents reluctant to intervene out of fear of being told that it is “none of their business.”
This silence, according to community leaders, allows cases to go unaddressed, leaving young girls vulnerable and without necessary support.
The Inner Council urged for urgent interventions to educate both parents and children on the proper interpretation of laws and the importance of parental involvement.
Again, recognizing the urgency of these challenges, the Inner Council requested NATICC to return immediately to begin implementing intervention programs.
The organization asserted that it will work closely with schools, churches, and community leaders to launch awareness campaigns, educational workshops, and structured support systems aimed at restoring a balance between child protection and parental authority.