DSD offers support to family of Octavia Swarts

The Western Cape Department of Social Development has made support available to the family of Octavia Swarts and has committed to monitor developments of this matter closely. 

The Department will also support a review of the case by the Child Death Review panel and ensure any further actions required by the panel are adhered to. The Child Death Review Panel is led by the Department of Health and Wellness’s Forensic Pathology Services and is made up from representatives from multiple agencies including the Department of Social Development, National Prosecuting Authority, and South African Police Service. 

The review, which is separate to the criminal investigation, is to establish whether there were any child-protection risks, gaps in support or opportunities for earlier intervention, and to identify what can be done differently to prevent another tragedy. 

Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Wendy Kaizer-Philander, who attended the memorial service for Octavia on Monday, 21 September, expressed her profound dismay: “The death of 10-year-old Octavia Swarts is deeply heartbreaking. My heartfelt condolences go to Octavia’s family, her school, her friends and everyone who loved and cared for her. No family should have to experience the pain of losing a child in these circumstances.

“It reminds us once again of how vulnerable our children can be and of the responsibility we carry, as government and as a society, to protect them,” said Kaizer-Philander.

She added that child protection is a collective responsibility, and when a child is at risk, all relevant sectors must work together, communicate effectively, and respond in a coordinated matter. 

“Our responsibility now is not only to establish what happened, but to learn from this tragedy and strengthen the protective systems around every child in the Western Cape,” said Minister Kaizer-Philander.