UOC Strengthens Community Defenses Against Online Child Predators at Lynnwood Gardens

linettelintvelt

1 hour ago

2 min read

Unchain Our Children (UOC) was invited once again by Mr. Andrew van der Berg, Chairman of Lynnwood Gardens Estate and Communities Against Crime, to deliver a focused awareness session on child exploitation. The presentation centered on the growing threat of online solicitation by predators and practical steps communities can take to protect children.

Wayne van Onselen, Founder and Executive Director of Unchain Our Children introduced UOC and its work over 10 years to the audience and Amy Arnold, UOC’s specialized counter-trafficking expert and investigator, led the engagement. Drawing on her 14 years of experience in United States law enforcement, including service as a Domestic Violence Detective and trainer, Arnold explained the calculated methods predators use to gain children’s trust. Through clear live demonstrations she showed how a mobile phone can become an open doorway for groomers, turning everyday digital access into a serious vulnerability. She stressed that parents must actively control both the platforms their children use and the ways outsiders can reach them.

This session forms part of UOC’s sustained programme of outreach and awareness campaigns across Pretoria and surrounding areas. Working with estates, schools, churches and community safety groups, the organisation equips adults and young people with the knowledge to recognise grooming, online luring and other forms of exploitation before harm occurs. The consistent message is prevention through vigilance, open conversation and swift reporting.

Also attending was Zane van der Merwe, Royal international Miss South Africa- 2026-2027. She will represent South Africa in America next year. She was introduced to the audience by UOC in her new role as Ambassador for the Pearl Project in South Africa.

Zane’s empathy is evident in her message to victims and survivors of exploitation: “Other people’s actions are not a reflection of your worth. You are valuable, strong, and capable of building a future defined by your courage, not by their harm.”

UOC records its sincere gratitude and admiration for Mr. Andrew van der Berg. His initiative in bringing this education to residents demonstrates a clear sense of responsibility for the safety of his community and provides a strong example of proactive local leadership.