In 1978, due to a growing concern about the number of child injures in South Africa, the Child Safety Centre was established as part of the department of Paediatric Surgery at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital. Professor Sid Cywes, previous Head of Paediatric Surgery initiated the establishment of the Safety Centre and then CAPFSA. The Child Safety Centres role was to undertake structured research on the causes and effects on accidents. Using the data collected over years, various safety educational programmes were put in place.

 

By 1987 it became apparent, however that the knowledge and skills acquired and used by the Child Safety Centre on a regional basis, were also needed nationally. In April 1987, CAPFSA was established to focus nationally on prevention of senseless deaths and maiming of children due to injures. Various training programmes had to be developed.

Specialising in our aim to reduce and prevent accidental deaths, injuries, disabilities and suffering amongst children in South Africa, CAPFSA has a unique mission.