Western Cape welcomes CCMA ruling on critical child protection

Western Cape Social Development Minister Wendy Kaizer-Philander has welcomed the decision by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration’s Essential Services Committee to classify critical child protection services as essential.

The determination, signed on 15 October, recognises that disruptions to these services can expose vulnerable children to abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Kaizer-Philander says the decision marks an important step towards safeguarding children’s well-being and ensuring continued access to critical support.

She says these essential services include child protection investigations, emergency interventions, and the removal of children from unsafe environments.

“Children’s safety cannot wait.

I commend our social workers and child protection organisations for their dedication to protecting vulnerable children, often in difficult and dangerous circumstances.

The relevant parties now have 90 days to negotiate a minimum service agreement while respecting employees’ rights.

We remain committed to strengthening child protection and ensuring that every child in the Western Cape is safe, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive.”