A report on sexual offences against children by the South African Human Rights Commission is due to be released this month. Entitled "Sexual Offences Against Children - Does the Criminal Justice System Protect Children?", the report concludes that the justice system is failing.

In the Umzimkhulu district of the Eastern Cape, the widow of the late Chief of the AmaBhaca, Zaineth Bly and a few elderly women have taken it upon themselves to look after orphans whose parents have died of AIDS-related illnesses. Bly says this group of elderly women felt that there was a need to help the children who are living alone without parents or relatives. Poverty and hunger are the most pressing issues, leading some of the children to steal food to stay alive.