This article explores the concept of forced child marriage because current laws do not give enough protection to girl children who cannot give consent if their parents act on their behalf. Forced child marriage is discussed in terms of its nature, the extent to which it is practiced, its incidence, consequences and current measures in place for its prevention in the South African

context. It concludes that “ukuganisela” is a form of forced marriage that robs girls of their human rights,

including education. It further violates specifications of numerous South African legal instruments.