UNCHAIN OUR CHILDREN TEAM RESTORES DIGNITY TO ELDERLY WOMAN IN PRETORIA

linettelintvelt
Jul 12, 2025
3 min read

From Shadows to Sanctuary

An elderly woman, referred to as Margaret for privacy, was found living in dire conditions in a Pretoria suburb, without running water, electricity, or adequate food. Her case, uncovered by a concerned citizen, prompted swift action from Unchain Our Children (UOC), dedicated to combating human rights violations since 2016. The organization, led by Founder and Executive Director Wayne van Onselen, intervened to restore Margaret’s living conditions, highlighting the pervasive issue of elder neglect in South Africa, where over 15% of elderly individuals face abuse or neglect, according to a 2023 South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) report.

Intervention and Community Response

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On receiving the report Wayne coordinated a team of UOC volunteers, to address Margaret’s situation. The team cleaned her home, which had been her residence for over 60 years, clearing an overgrown yard full of debris. Caring individuals and businesses contributed services and supplies, reflecting community support for UOC’s efforts.

“When people see us helping the vulnerable, they step up,” Wayne stated. “We’re grateful for every volunteer who helped uplift this lady’s life.”

Shekinah 911 EMS - A Ministry of Presence

As the cleaning began, Shekinah 911 Emergency Medical Services, UOC’s partner organization, arrived, led by Sister Babsie and advanced medic Morgan Kruger. They found Margaret in a state that would break even the hardest heart: dehydrated, malnourished, and battling advanced cancer. Her hair was matted, her body frail, and her spirit dimmed by years of isolation.

The Shekinah team’s presence was more than physical aid—it was a ministry of love, a beacon of hope in a life that had known too little of it. They bathed her, washed her hair, and arranged ongoing medical care, including doctor’s visits. Morgan and Babsie, whose motto at Shekinah 911 is “Caring for Life,” ensured Margaret’s hope in human kind was restored.

“We found a forgotten human being,” Morgan said. “Our mission is to care for life, and we’re committed to her well-being.”

Addressing Elder Neglect

Margaret’s case underscores a broader crisis. The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) notes that 1 in 6 elderly South Africans experience neglect, often due to isolation or family abandonment. A 2024 Department of Social Development report estimates over 50,000 elderly individuals live in substandard conditions, with 500,000 facing abuse annually, including neglect and financial exploitation..

Legal and Social Implications

Despite legal protections, enforcement remains a challenge. A 2025 government audit indicates only 10% of reported elder abuse cases result in convictions. UOC’s zero-tolerance approach to abuse aligns with their mission to protect the vulnerable, including children, women, men, and the elderly.

Margaret, now regularly visited by UOC and Shekinah 911, expressed relief: “I thought no one cared, but they found me.”

Ongoing Commitment

UOC continues to monitor Margaret’s well-being, ensuring she remains safe and supported. Shekinah 911 provides ongoing care for Margaret and others in need. The organization’s work serves as a call to action, urging communities to address elder neglect and uphold the dignity of all.

A Legacy of Love

Unchain Our Children’s mission is rooted in a simple truth: every life matters. Whether it’s a child rescued from trafficking or an elderly woman lifted from neglect, their work is a testament to the power of compassion. Margaret’s home, once a symbol of despair, now stands as a monument to what a community can achieve when guided by love and faith.