Children’s Safety Walk to Constitutional Hill: Unchain Our Children Stands United Against Child Abuse

Johannesburg, 31 May 2026 – Under clear South African skies, approximately 700 participants, including children from various places of safety, Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs), and child protection groups, gathered in downtown Johannesburg on Sunday for the Children’s Safety Walk to Constitutional Hill. The event, initiated by the Gauteng Department of Social Development in partnership with child protection organizations, aimed to break the silence on child exploitation and strengthen awareness around child safety.

The atmosphere was filled with energy and hope as colorful performances, soulful singing, and the rhythmic beat of a young children’s orchestra set the tone. Protected by local law enforcement, marchers made their way through the city streets to Constitutional Hill, symbolically affirming the constitutional rights of children and demanding a safer South Africa.

Dignitaries, senior officials from the Department of Social Development, and representatives from other government departments joined the walk. Representatives of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA) added their voices, with one leader stating firmly: “We must protect children, not abuse them.”

Unchain Our Children (UOC) was among the key participants, demonstrating strong solidarity with the initiative.

“Registered as an NPC in 2016 and active for a decade, Unchain Our Children was officially designated as a Child Protection Organization (CPO) under Section 107(1) of the Children’s Act on 11 December 2024,” said Wayne van Onselen, Founder and Executive Director of UOC. “This designation allows us to act as a statutory organization for child safety. We focus on direct intervention, victim support, missing persons searches, and broad prevention efforts.”

Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Nomanto Nkomo-Ralehoko, delivered a powerful message during the program. “No more exploitation of children. No to violence, statutory rape, grooming, and child labor!” she declared. The MEC emphasized the need for closer collaboration between the Department and Child Protection Organizations, while calling for greater accountability for perpetrators who rob children of their innocence.

She highlighted the critical role of reporting abuse, noting that many cases remain unreported due to shame and fear. “Child Protection Organizations are a beacon of light and safety in our communities,” she added, “places where victims and survivors can run to and get help and support”

Children themselves participated actively, reading the preamble of the Constitution and voicing their concerns directly to the MEC.

This was the second Children’s Safety Walk, with plans to establish it as an annual event to promote child safety not only in South Africa but with global resonance. The march to Constitutional Hill served as a strong reminder that protecting children is a collective responsibility.

Today’s initiative calls on every South African to support survivors and report abuse without hesitation. By breaking the silence, communities can help bring perpetrators to justice and create a safer environment for all children.

Discover & Connect:

Support Unchain Our Children

Call Wayne van Onselen: 072 364 8246

Report Child Exploitation

UOC National Crisis Centre: 067 323 7116