From Awareness to Action: UOC and SAPS FCS Pretoria Moot Strengthen Child Protection at Affies Meisies

Pretoria, 20 October 2026 – In a determined effort to combat human trafficking and child exploitation, the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit, Pretoria Moot partnered with Unchain Our Children (UOC) for a targeted awareness workshop. The session reached Grade 8 and 9 girls at Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria, also known as Affies Meisies.

Warrant Officer Melani Smit of SAPS FCS Pretoria Moot, UOC senior social worker Nicky McDonald, and UOC founder and executive director Wayne van Onselen addressed the learners. The young audience engaged actively with the speakers, asking questions and absorbing practical guidance on real-world threats.

The long-standing alliance between UOC and the Pretoria Moot FCS team continues to deliver results. Built on shared goals and years of collaboration, this partnership between a non-profit organization and specialized law enforcement demonstrates the power of sustained teamwork. Joint events of this nature consistently succeed in reaching young audiences with clear, credible messages.

Beyond delivering information, the workshop strengthened trust. Hearing directly from a police officer helped the girls view SAPS FCS members as accessible protectors rather than distant figures of authority. This confidence is critical: children who trust the police are far more likely to report suspicious behavior before predators can act.

Speakers covered the evolving tactics used by traffickers and abusers, including cyberbullying, online grooming, illicit solicitation, the distinction between safe and unsafe touch, responsible cellphone and internet use, online safety measures, and official reporting channels. Learners also received clear information on their rights under the Constitution and the Children’s Act.

Because predators constantly adapt their methods, once-off sessions are insufficient. Continuous, age-appropriate educational programmes run by UOC and SAPS FCS Pretoria Moot equip successive groups of children to recognize deceitful tactics and respond effectively. These year-round campaigns extend the protective net to learners, parents, educators and the wider community.

By combining operational police expertise with UOC’s community reach, the partnership turns awareness into practical defense—helping keep Pretoria’s girls out of predators’ hands while reinforcing faith in the system designed to protect them.

Reporting numbers:

UOC National Crisis Line: 067 323 7116

Human Trafficking Hotline: 0800 222 777