They are advocating for the use of the more accurate, internationally recognised term "child sexual abuse material."  

The call for change has gained momentum as the country grapples with the severity of child sexual exploitation.

Experts argue that the term "child pornography" minimises the gravity of the crime. It carries neutral connotations that fail to convey the true harm inflicted on children. “The term is often associated with adult-oriented erotic content, which is completely inappropriate when referring to the abuse of children,” said a representative from Media Monitoring Africa.

The Films and Publication Act of 1996 currently defines "child pornography" as any image depicting a person under 18 engaged in sexual conduct that constitutes exploitation or degradation. However, critics argue that the word "pornography" evokes an image of sexual pleasure, which is not applicable in the case of children, who are victims of abuse.

In line with global legal standards, organisations like Women and Men Against Child Abuse are campaigning for the term to be officially replaced. Their ongoing campaign, which began in 2002, calls for a revision of the terminology to reflect the true nature of these crimes. “Children continue to suffer, and offenders often face lighter sentences due to the inadequate legal framework,” said one campaigner.

The SA Law Reform Commission has recommended that the Justice Department adopt the term "child sexual abuse material" in its legal framework, and a draft amendment to the Criminal Law is under consideration. However, despite years of advocacy, the Justice Department has stated that the revised proposal will only be introduced in Parliament in 2026.

--ChannelAfrica--