The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) is celebrating 35 years of the Office of the Family Advocate, founded on 1 October 1990. The commemoration took place on 21 October 2025. As part of the celebration, the department held outreach sessions in Boikhutso Township, Ventersdorp. The sessions aimed to raise awareness about family law services. They also educated residents on how the Office protects children’s rights in matters of care and guardianship.
What Happened
The campaign formed part of the department’s nationwide effort to educate citizens about the Office of the Family Advocate and its role in protecting children’s rights in matters of care, contact, and guardianship. During the Boikhutso engagement, families received information on mediation, investigations, and legal procedures that ensure children’s welfare during parental disputes. The Office of the Master of the High Court also addressed queries on the Guardian’s Fund, while the Department of Social Development discussed the importance of psychosocial support for children.
Official Response
Officials from the DOJ&CD reaffirmed the department’s commitment to prioritising children’s wellbeing. “For 35 years, the Family Advocate has played a crucial role in ensuring that every child’s voice is heard during family law proceedings,” said one departmental representative.
The department added that more outreach programmes will continue across the province to promote accessible and child-centred justice services.
Community Impact
Community members welcomed the initiative, describing it as informative and timely. Many said they now have a clearer understanding of where to seek assistance in custody, guardianship, and inheritance matters. Local leaders encouraged residents to take advantage of upcoming outreach sessions to learn more about family-related legal processes.
