Ordinary Citizens Amplify Hope: UOC Marks 10 Years with Church Platform Against Child Exploitation

Unchain Our Children (UOC) continues to rely on the quiet strength of ordinary citizens, churches and schools that open their platforms so the organization can warn communities about child sexual exploitation, human trafficking, gender-based violence and online solicitation. In 2026, the year of UOC’s 10th anniversary, those partnerships remain central to its work.

One such platform was a recent Ladies Morning themed “Every Woman has a Story,” hosted by Mrs. Arauna Briedenhann at the Full Gospel Church, Lighuis congregation in Sinoville. https://veksinoville.co.za/ 

More than 350 women attended. Guest speakers were Wayne van Onselen, founder and executive director of UOC, and Joan Booysen, the very brave survivor who escaped the notorious predators Gert van Rooyen and Joey Haarhoff in 1990.

Long-time supporter Mariette Fourie, a specialist counsellor who previously served almost eight years at Wonderboom Secondary School and is now completing her PhD, introduced UOC to Pastor and Mrs. Briedenhann after a 2025 UOC fundraising event.

 “When we approached Unchain Our Children to assist in an emergency case, there was no hesitation,” she recalled. “Before I could say goodbye, Wayne and Nicky were already on their way.” Mariette Fourie

Van Onselen outlined UOC’s origins in 2016 and its purpose as the voice of the voiceless. He stressed the power of networking, teamwork and the involvement of ordinary people with a heart for the vulnerable. Reporting channels were explained, contacts formed and several guests expressed readiness to volunteer.

Joan Booysen held the audience’s full attention as she shared her ordeal. Abducted as a 16-year-old, she was drugged, handcuffed and locked in a cupboard at the house on 227 Malherbe Street. She prayed, freed herself, escaped and alerted the authorities with precise details of the premises. Her testimony helped law enforcement to close in on the house.

The morning offered both the horror of captivity and the hope embodied by UOC, which works alongside specialized law-enforcement agencies, places of safety and caring citizens who act as light-bearers.

“Our sincerest gratitude to Pastor and Mrs. Briedenhann, Mariette Fourie and everyone who came forward to pledge their support,” Van Onselen said.

On its 10th anniversary, UOC pays tribute to all who have stood with it for years and continue to do so.

Discover & Connect:

Invite Unchain Our Children as guest speaker: Call Wayne 072 364 8246.

Report abuse and child exploitation: UOC National Crisis Line 067 323 7116.