Sunshine Lost, explores the themes of grooming, bullying and child and sexual abuse and is written to create awareness and to provide a platform to stimulate discussion both in the home and at school around these issues. The author has taken real life issues facing young adults and crafted a novel that teenagers can relate to. The novel is a story of a young learner forced to leave behind her innocent childhood to navigate a path involving grooming, bullying and abuse. The book is intended not only for young adults but for their parents and educators. With this book Pat wishes to create a platform that will create safe places within the home and the school environment where these issues may be discussed.
About the Author
Pat Moodley
Pat Moodley is an advocate for Children’s Rights. Having been part of the team responsible for drafting the current legislation protecting the rights of children, her journey has continued to ensure the implementation of that legislation. Pat has had a career in Justice spanning over 30 years in various roles including sitting as a Family Court Magistrate and has assisted countless families and children to protect their rights. Pat is an Honorary Research Fellow of the School of Law at UKZN and an Associate Fellow of the International Academy of Family Law.
The Launch
BOOK LAUNCH SUNSHINE LOST BY PAT MOODLEY
11 MARCH 2026 CAPE TOWN
The Book Launch in Cape Town was a huge success with the message of support by the Honourable Chief Justice Mandisa Maya setting the tone for an evening of reflection and conversations on the plight of children in our country.
Here are some excerpts from the message of the Chief Justice that calls for activism to protect children and provides an endorsement for the value of the book as an advocacy tool for young people and all South Africans charged with protecting children.
“Sunshine Lost is a masterpiece of advocacy disguised as narrative, crafted by a legal luminary who authored the Child Justice Act, shaped the Children’s Act, and presided as a Family Court Magistrate for many years. Ms Moodley’s retirement has birthed this labour of love, drawing from frontline witness to children’s vulnerabilities.”
“For secondary school learners and parents, this is gold: simple language bridges adult laws to youth realities, fostering school dialogues on shame’s paralysis, addiction’s grip and resilience.“
“Critically, it heals: therapy tools, family bonds and communal support restore lost sunshine.”
“In a nation where Gender Based Violence and Femicide claims lives daily, this book is a proactive warfare – preventing victims by educating warriors.”
“Tonight, as Family Law delegates, let us pledge to endorse Sunshine Lost for curricula and fortify child protections. Ms Moodley, your book restores “lost sunshine,” igniting awareness, empowerment and hope amid our national scourge.”
“Anyone who can must invest in this shield for our children. Together we stand against grooming, abuse and silence. To South Africa’s children: You are not alone. Speak out. Seek help. Reclaim your sunshine.”
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