Empowering South Africa's Youth: A Collaborative Outreach Against Child Abuse and Trafficking

linettelintvelt
3 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

In a vital Child Protection initiative launched by Rotarians in 2025, Rhonda James, President of the Pretoria West Rotary Club (D9400), partnered with Unchain Our Children and Warrant Officer Melani Smit of Pretoria Moot Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit to conduct an outreach at local primary and secondary schools. Representatives of the Silverton SAPS station and the Proshield Private Security Team with their sniffer dog also attended. This ongoing program equips youth with knowledge to prevent abuse and evade human traffickers, addressing South Africa's escalating crisis. Today’s outreach was to Pretium Private School in Silverton, Pretoria

Recent statistics underscore the urgency: In 2024-25, over 26,000 cases of child abuse and neglect were reported, up from 23,732 the previous year. One in three girls and one in five boys experience violence before age 18.

Human trafficking of children has surged, with South Africa as a source, transit, and destination point; global detections rose 25% in 2024, disproportionately affecting African children for forced labor and exploitation. Kidnappings and trafficking cases increased in the 2024/25 financial year, per police reports.

During the outreach, W/O Smit and Amy Arnold, Specialized Counter-Trafficking Operative for Unchain Our Children, urged children to speak up against forced secrets from abusers. "Our goal conducting outreaches with like-minded institutions, is to empower the most vulnerable—children—with knowledge and boldness to prevent abuse, and know where to report it if victimized," said James.

The pupils were encouraged to value their bodies, report any inappropriate touch, and recognize that abuse is illegal and prosecutable. They learned about protective laws, engaged in Q&A, and adored the popular K9 unit demonstration. Teachers gained tools to handle disclosures effectively.

W/O Smit stressed building trust through regular outreaches: "Children must know they can rely on SAPS." For younger kids, "stranger danger" was simplified, with tips like rubbing against a tree to leave scent for K9 tracking.

Arnold, with 14 years in U.S. law enforcement—including as a Domestic Violence Detective and trainer—detailed traffickers' tricks and strategies. Grooming, cyber risks, and safe cellphone use were also expertly explained. She advised vigilance for parents, teachers, and children, emphasizing reporting to SAPS or organizations like Unchain Our Children.

Non-profits like Unchain Our Children combat trafficking via direct interventions, awareness campaigns, investigations, and government task teams. SAPS measures include dedicated FCS units, trafficking directorates for prevention and probes, missing persons protocols, and collaborations under the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Other NPOs support through Child Protection Week initiatives, victim referrals, and education drives to boost reporting—crucial as only 4% of 5,000 abuse cases from 2019-2024 led to convictions.

Speakers reiterated: Report indecent acts, even from family, teachers, or pastors. Help awaits victims; justice pursues perpetrators.