Help Children in South Africa Thrive with UNICEF

Why UNICEF works in South Africa

In South Africa, children’s rights are progressive and clearly defined, enshrined in the constitution. And yet, those rights are not equitably fulfilled. 

Although the country has made significant strides in expanding access to social services, persistent poverty and deep-seated inequality continue to affect millions. For many children in South Africa, birth location determines access to social services and opportunities in life.

Challenges facing children in South Africa

South Africa is also one of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Extreme weather events and water shortages disproportionately impact impoverished children, affecting health, nutrition and access to education and social services. Climate disasters displace families, forcing them to live in crowded spaces and informal settings, where children, especially adolescent girls and young women, are vulnerable to violence and exploitation.

There are wide disparities in the quality of education available for children in urban versus rural settings. And despite legal and policy frameworks designed to protect women and girls, gender inequalities and discrimination continue to shape their life experiences and opportunities, placing them at increased risk of gender-based violence.

Over 55 percent of the population of South Africa lives below the national poverty line. Many families live in widespread informal settlements in major cities, with unreliable access to clean water and sanitation. 

There are barriers to health care in these and other underserved communities, along with malnutrition and food insecurity. HIV/AIDS prevalence is high, and there are gaps in immunization coverage.

How UNICEF is making a difference 

Since 1994, UNICEF’s South Africa office has been working to support children, families and communities. Priorities include reducing child poverty and improving education, health care and protection for every child.

Through national partnerships, advocacy and community-based interventions, UNICEF focuses on long-term systemic change and child rights. 

As severe droughts, floods and other extreme weather events continue to threaten the economy, food security and basic infrastructure, UNICEF South Africa advocates for child-centered national climate policies.

Here is a closer look at the situation for children in specific program areas, and what UNICEF is doing in response.

Health and nutrition programs

South Africa has made progress in transforming its health sector since the end of apartheid, making health care services available to millions who were previously denied access. However, inequitable access to critical health services remains a major problem.

Malnutrition and food insecurity persist, with only 21 percent of children under age 5 receiving a minimum acceptable diet. More than a third of children under age 5 are suffering from undernutrition or are overweight. Immunization coverage is inconsistent, with the number of zero-dose children — those who have received no immunizations — increasing in all provinces, in both urban and rural areas. Access to quality maternal and neonatal healthcare remains inequitable, with the vast majority of newborn deaths due to highly preventable and treatable conditions like prematurity and birth complications.

Despite progress made in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, thousands of new infections continue to occur each year. Young adults are particularly susceptible, with over one-third of new infections occurring in those aged 15-24.

To combat these health concerns, UNICEF South Africa works with the government and partners to develop and implement evidence-based, research-driven programs and policies, delivered equitably and at scale.

UNICEF South Africa has supported immunization drives that have reached over 1 million children, improving vaccination coverage and reducing preventable diseases. UNICEF has also expanded maternal health care initiatives, leading to improved prenatal and neonatal health outcomes and reduced maternal and infant mortality rates. Eliminating the transmission of HIV remains a top priority.

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) efforts

WASH priorities include working with partners to improve school and community WASH infrastructure and to promote hygiene behavior change to prevent disease outbreaks.

Improvement projects in flood-prone areas of Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces involve building toilets and handwashing stations at schools, and making sure the facilities are climate-resilient.

Improving access to education

Large strides have been made in education access in South Africa since the early 2000s, with school attendance overall in the 90 percent range. But children born into poverty face a wide range of challenges that their wealthy peers don’t. Secondary school completion rates reached 94 percent in 2021, but wide inequalities remain, with completion rates for Black children at 58 percent compared to 96 percent for White children.

Access to early childhood development programs is on the rise, but service quality often falters in poor communities due to an under-qualified workforce and below-standard implementation of appropriate learning approaches.

UNICEF has been working to enhance ECD programs in the country, reaching over 200,000 young learners. UNICEF and partners are also implementing digital learning solutions that improve literacy and numeracy skills in under-resourced schools, while upgrading school infrastructure to create safer and more inclusive learning environments.

Protecting vulnerable children

Over 60 percent of children in South Africa are experiencing multidimensional poverty — meaning they are deprived not just monetarily, but also in basic infrastructure services and education. In rural areas, the rate is 80 percent of children, vs. 40 percent in urban ones. 

To address child poverty in South Africa, UNICEF supports the Child Support Grant, a large unconditional cash transfer program, monitoring and assessing its reach and results and looking for opportunities for improvements. UNICEF has also supported economic empowerment programs for caregivers, fostering sustainable income generation and resilience in vulnerable families.

A legacy of violence for children in South Africa

High poverty and unemployment rates, compounded with the legacy of violence and extreme inequity from South Africa’s past, have created a dangerous environment for children, leaving them at risk of domestic violence, substance abuse, sexual abuse and neglect.

Data available shows that almost 60 percent of children aged 5-16 have experienced sexual abuse. A quarter of children in the same age range have experienced family violence, 18 percent experienced physical abuse, 13 percent experienced emotional abuse and 12 percent have experienced neglect.

UNICEF is working tirelessly toward the vision of a South Africa that is free of violence. Working with partners, UNICEF has:

• launched national campaigns addressing violence against children, reaching millions through awareness initiatives and community training
• worked to strengthen child protection systems and expand mental health support services
• influenced legislative reforms to enhance child safety and well-being

One example of this work is the Department of Social Development's Risiha program, supported by UNICEF South Africa, which, among other initiatives, creates Safe Parks in the most vulnerable localities. The goal is to provide a secure environment where children in marginalized communities can come and learn, play, eat meals and, if in need, receive a range of support and services from youth and child care workers, strengthening prevention and early intervention.

Youth engagement, skills building

Another UNICEF program in South Africa supports 400 UNICEF Youth Environmental Reporters and Advocates (YERA) working to promote climate justice in communities across the country.

A collaborative initiative, YERA is designed to address pressing environmental challenges through youth engagement. There is a special focus on empowering girls, whose voices are often marginalized. The idea is to ultimately foster a generation of informed and proactive environmental stewards.

Participating youth investigate, document and communicate environmental issues such as air and water quality. So far YERA has trained about 400 young reporters in investigative journalism, environmental science and advocacy skills. 

How to help

UNICEF relies on the voluntary support of individuals, corporations, foundations and others to sustain lifesaving programs for children in South Africa and around the world. Ways to help include:

• making a one-time or recurring donation
• fundraising for children in South Africa and around the world
• advocating for children’s rights
• sharing UNICEF’s mission with your network

Help UNICEF reach more children in need. Please Donate

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does UNICEF work in South Africa?

UNICEF works in South Africa to ensure every child has access to education, health care and protection. Despite economic progress, many children still face poverty, violence and limited access to essential services.

What are the biggest issues facing children in South Africa?

Children in South Africa face challenges such as inequality, undernutrition, exposure to violence and a lack of digital-learning opportunities and basic health care in rural areas.

How is UNICEF helping improve education in South Africa?

UNICEF supports early learning, teacher training and digital education programs to ensure all children, especially those in marginalized communities, have access to quality education.

Learn more about what UNICEF is doing for children in Africa.