"Both girls and boys are abused by people who are meant to be protecting them," he said in Folweni, south of Durban, at the start of a child protection campaign.

He said most children were raped by their fathers, step-fathers and uncles.

"Children are told by their families to lie about the abuse because it should be kept as a 'family secret'. The responsibility lies with the parents."

Mthethwa encouraged parents to report rape and abuse because it "kills children's self-confidence and future".

Carers should look out for warning signs and report abuse.

"Those who abuse do it with the support of women. A nation that doesn't protect its children doesn't have a future."

The minister called on Folweni residents to work with police in fighting child abuse.