Gauteng Department of Social Development and Unchain Our Children Host Child Exploitation Awareness Session

10 July 2026, Benoni – The Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD), in partnership with Unchain Our Children (UOC), hosted an informative child exploitation awareness and prevention program at Mary Moodley Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) in Benoni today.

The initiative formed part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness and strengthen the prevention of child exploitation and trafficking in Gauteng. The program was also held in commemoration of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on 30 July, to encourage collective action to keep children safe and protected.

Ms. Nosipho Skenjane, Child and Youth Care Team Leader at Mary Moodley CYCC, welcomed attendees and set a positive and collaborative tone for the session. Ms. Shela Ramutla, Social Worker in the GDSD Directorate: Services to Children, Child Exploitation Sub-Directorate, provided an overview of the program objectives, while Ms. Sandra Madella, Social Work Manager in the same sub-directorate, introduced the facilitators and highlighted the importance of collective efforts in protecting children from exploitation and abuse.

As a Child Protection Organization, UOC has a strong community positioning and works closely with aligned government departments, like Gauteng Department of Social Development, other relevant institutions, and like-minded NGOs. This year marks UOC’s 10th anniversary — a significant milestone of a decade dedicated to protecting vulnerable children across South Africa.

Amy Arnold, UOC’s specialist operative, lead investigator, and trainer, captivated the audience with her in-depth expertise on child trafficking and online safety for children in order for them to navigate digital risks.  A lively Q&A session allowed for interactive discussion and clarification of key points.

With 14 years of experience in US law enforcement — including roles as a Police Academy trainer, Domestic Violence Detective, and Patrol Sergeant — Arnold has instructed Train-the-Trainer program internationally and continues to work on specialized anti-trafficking task teams. Her presentation covered how to identify trafficking indicators, safely address suspicions, report cases effectively through proper channels, and implement prevention strategies at community and family levels.

UOC runs sustained awareness campaigns throughout the year, focusing on grooming tactics, online exploitation risks, and community education. These initiatives empower parents, educators, caregivers, and youth with tools to recognize and prevent child exploitation before it occurs.

Ms. Andile Nkosi, Social Worker at Don Mattera CYCC, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, bringing the successful session to a close with a renewed commitment to child protection. Her remarks reinforced the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to safeguard children from harm, both online and offline.

Discover & Connect:

Report Child Exploitation: Call UOC's National Crisis Centre: 067 323 7116