Unchain Our Children Marks Ten Years of Impact: A Legacy of Liberation and Teamwork

linettelintvelt
3 days ago
3 min read

Pretoria, 8 July 2026 - A Decade of dedication that had passed in service to the vulnerable, especially women, children, and the elderly, began with one man, Wayne van Onselen, Founder and Executive Director of Unchain Our Children, in existence for 13 years, registered as a NPC 10 years ago on 8 July 2016 and officially received their statutory designation as a Child Protection Organization (CPO) on Wednesday, 11 December 2024.

“Our non-profit company exists for the children in the world. Our efforts are purposed to stop the violence and encouraged victims and survivors to speak out so we can move from chaos to calm.” Wayne van Onselen - 2024.

What started as one individual answering a profound calling to care for those in need has evolved into a powerful movement of liberation. A dedicated core group of operatives—former law enforcement officers, social workers, counsellors, attorneys, and specialists—has united around the cause, contributing diverse skills, expertise, and unwavering commitment.

Under van Onselen’s leadership, a former law enforcement officer who continues to confront evil with resolve, this formidable team has expanded to collaborate with more than 96 partner organizations.

Over the past ten years, Unchain Our Children has conducted direct interventions in cases of child abuse, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, gender-based violence, and missing persons recoveries.

The organization provides counselling to victims and families, operates a 24-hour telephonic crisis line, and delivers anti-trafficking training to government officials, SAPS members, and social workers.

Initiatives such as the “Junior Battle Angels” youth empowerment program, the “I Matter” upliftment project, dignity pack distributions, awareness campaigns in schools, and multi-stakeholder collaborations during National Child Protection Week have strengthened community responses and prevention efforts.

The impact on vulnerable groups has been profound. Countless children have been rescued from dangerous environments and placed in safer settings, with UOC’s statutory social worker, Nicky McDonald, in cooperation with Department Social Development, playing a key role in securing places of safety.

Women and girls affected by gender-based violence and trafficking have received holistic support, moving from victimhood toward survivorship through counselling, legal assistance, and restoration programs.

The elderly and other at-risk individuals have benefited from dignity initiatives and community upliftment. By addressing both immediate crises and systemic issues through training and partnerships, Unchain has helped reduce incidences of exploitation and fostered environments where victims can heal and thrive.

Wayne van Onselen’s passion remains undiminished, driven by each new case and a steadfast defiance against failure. Yet the organization’s successes underscore that no single individual can achieve lasting change alone.

Teamwork has been the cornerstone of Unchain Our Children’s ability to deliver the best possible outcomes for children. Collaborative investigations, legal advocacy, law enforcement partnerships, and community networks enable comprehensive responses that combine rescue, recovery, justice, and prevention. This united front amplifies impact far beyond what any one operative could accomplish.

“Today, I want to thank Bianca, my wife, law enforcement and SAPS specialized units, the UOC Operative Team, the Legal Eagles, all the Donors, Sponsors and Supporters, and each and everyone, doesn’t matter how insignificant you think you are, who has faithfully walked with us, being the voice of the voiceless,” van Onselen reflects. “We treasure your presence, your wisdom and time, and most of all your dedication to be instrumental in the rescuing of children and providing for them an alternative road to the abuse they think is the only way of living. I thank God for His provision, His guidance and protection. I thank Him for His calling and for the strength to follow Him.”

As Unchain Our Children enters its second decade, its model of dedicated teamwork continues to offer hope, breaking chains and building brighter futures for South Africa’s most vulnerable.