Child protection & safeguarding
Keeping children safe is the reason we exist. This page explains our commitments and how to raise a concern.
Our commitment
Khumbulani Children's Place of Safety believes that every child has the right to be safe from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm. We act in the best interests of the child, in line with the Constitution of South Africa and the Children's Act 38 of 2005.
This commitment applies to everyone connected to us: staff, board members, volunteers, visitors, contractors and partners.
How we keep children safe
- Safe recruitment. Staff and volunteers who will have contact with children are screened before they start. This may include a police clearance, a check against Part B of the National Child Protection Register, references and an interview.
- Code of conduct. Everyone agrees to clear rules about appropriate behaviour, including never being alone with a child in a private space and never using physical punishment.
- Training. Staff and regular volunteers learn how to recognise and respond to signs of abuse.
- Supervised visits. Visits are arranged in advance and visitors are accompanied.
- Privacy. Children's personal information is kept confidential and only shared with people who need it to protect the child.
- Listening to children. Children are encouraged to speak up, and their views are taken seriously.
Photographs, stories and social media
- We only publish photographs or stories of children with written consent from a parent or legal guardian, and with the child's agreement where they are old enough.
- We never publish a child's full name, address, school, medical information or the reasons they are in care.
- We do not publish images that show children in a distressing or undignified way.
- Visitors and volunteers may not take or share photos of children.
- Consent can be withdrawn at any time, and we will remove content as quickly as we can.
How to report a concern
If you are worried about a child connected to Khumbulani, or about the behaviour of anyone working with us, please tell us.
- [email protected] — please write "Safeguarding concern" in the subject line
- Phone
- (984) 257-8308 — ask to speak to our safeguarding lead
You can also use our complaints and feedback form. If your concern is about the safeguarding lead, contact the chairperson of the board, or report directly to the police, Childline or the Department of Social Development.
All concerns are taken seriously, handled confidentially and reported to the appropriate authorities where the law requires.
Full policy
Our full child protection policy is available on request.
Last updated: October 2026