Unchain Our Children Honors Operatives at 2025 Year-End Celebration

Pretoria, November 8, 2025 – Unchain Our Children (UOC) marked the close of a challenging yet impactful year with a vibrant year-end function at the Pretoria Premier Hotel. Founder and Executive Director Wayne van Onselen presented a series of creatively named awards to operatives and partners, celebrating their unwavering dedication to combating child abuse and trafficking.

The gathering brought together the "Unchain Army" and allied organizations, reflecting on 2025's triumphs amid the persistent shadow of child exploitation. Attendees fortified existing alliances, and forged new ones, underscoring a profound spirit of solidarity in the face of escalating societal violence. Obakeng Sole was officially welcomed as a new UOC director, adding fresh momentum to the mission.

In a poignant moment, Bianca van Onselen paid tribute to her husband's decade-long crusade. "He started the Unchain Journey almost 10 years ago, and he is still ahead and unstoppable," she said. "All of you have experience his compassion as I had, since the beginning." She likened his drive to a "burning fire" propelling the fight to save children, expressing gratitude for the collective support.

Partner organizations received special recognition for their critical role in emergency rescues. The father-son team at Pro Shield was awarded service vests for their K9 units.

Steven from Zulzi Groceries and Medication earned acclaim for donating R2.4 million in food to Geseende Hande’s Danville soup kitchen, receiving a unique handmade olive wood pen—one of only 10, sourced from Israel.

Corporate supporters including City Property, A4G Holdings, Promac Paints, SASOL Corporate, and SASOL Lotus Gardens were lauded for their ongoing generosity. Chrissie Lemmer, owner of SASOL Lotus Gardens, pledged R100,000 to UOC projects in 2026.

The year's achievements included resolving numerous child abuse and neglect cases, training social workers from the Department of Social Development, SAPS officers, community groups, and private entities. The Junior Battle Angels program expanded to over 520 school outreach participants across Pretoria.

Jessica Erasmus, Mrs. South Africa 2025 Finalist and he reigning Ms. Africa 2024/25, McCayla Warriker were also attending and pledged their support to UOC’s cause.

Awards featured humorous, tailored titles that captured each recipient's essence:

Clearing the Way Award: Pastor Gert Els, for compassionate pastoral guidance.

Hands of Compassion Award: Sister Babsie Kruger and Morgan Kruger of Shekinah 911 EMS.

Battle Angel Award: Westerlig Primary SchoolTeacher Carina Nienaber, the go-to advocate for children in crisis.

Exceptional Law Enforcement Award: W/O Dexter, for passionate child protection and support during operations.

Unchain Angels Award: Geseende Hande Team (Ester Malan, Marie Els, Yvette le Roux), feeding 250 families three days a week in Danville.

Making Sense Out of Chaos Award: Advocate Elizabeth Nieuwoudt.

The Frontline Award: Forensic social worker Estelle Basson, delving into children's deepest traumas.

Shoot For the Moon Award: Werner Brits of AfriForum West Rand, for unflinching short-notice support when him and his team is called upon.

Completing The Circle Award: Johan Claassen, Senior Criminal Investigator & Computer Forensic Analyst at US Homeland Security Investigations for his professional support of UOC’s cause.

Care Bear Award: His Children Foundation team at a Pretoria place of safety, for nurturing abused babies.

The Gatherer Award: Ian and Yvette le Roux, for securing vital partnerships.

Lois Lane Award: Linette Lintvelt, for fearless reporting and resourceful journalism.

Drum Major Award: Chris Dykes, Natasha Kirchmann, and Amy Arnold, for the NOTTIES100 2025 initiative.

Silencing the Storm Award: Senior Social Worker Nicky McDonald, for child advocacy and court reporting.

The Cinderella Award: Survivor Izelle, for resilience amid a six-year domestic violence case (a donated crown from Mrs. South Africa 2019).

Busy Bee Award: Amy Arnold, UOC’s counter-trafficking specialist and ex-US police officer, for training and awareness efforts.

Time is of Essence Award: Carina Bam, missing persons expert with 10 years' experience.

The Strongest Link Award: Linette Lintvelt, for impactful storytelling.

The Dung Beetle Award: Wayne van Onselen, for fearless perseverance in leveling obstacles for children's safety.

Amy Arnold emceed with energy, flair and enthusiasm, closing with a preview of 2026 events and an open call to join the cause:

May 28: Dinner & Auction with Jo Black & Friends.

August 14–15: Endurance Event, Pretoria.

September 25–26: NOTTIES100, KZN.

Media

Unchain Our Children gave young adults Tuané Weber and Marique Bam the opportunity to display their photographic talent at the function.

Photo Credits:

Tuané Weber of Photography  https://tuanefotos.pixieset.com/uocyearendfunction2025/    

Marique Bam                                                                                                      https://mariquebam.mypixieset.com/

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