The newly launched 24-hour Child Protection Hotline in Alberton aims to address the scourge of bullying and other child abuse-related cases and incidents.
Danie van Loggerenberg, founder of the Child Protection Hotline and director for Toys for Africa Foundation, has decided to heed the call of concerned parents and teachers.
The launch of the hotline was held at Mall at Newmarket on October 27.
The shopping centre has also decided to come on board and sponsor the child protection hotline. The inception of this hotline and many others across the county was prompted by a desperate need for teachers to report cases that involved child abuse.
“While working with schools and children for Toys for Africa Foundation to freely supply toys and stationery for schools, I saw a need to start the hotline. While going around and doing school talks, teachers and parents were concerned about how to go about reporting child abuse,” said van Loggerenberg.
The East Rand Child Protection Hotline number was also launched in Boksburg recently solely to create a channel to easily report cases of abuse and violence.
Curbing abuse
Van Loggerenberg explained that they also committed to working hand in hand with Alberton SAPS in carrying out their services.
They have been working closely with local authorities, emergency services and government entities such as the Department of Social Development.
“The East Rand Child Protection Hotline is our 13th Child Protection Hotline and we have other hotlines across the country. Talking about gender-based violence and violence against children will never be enough without action. To date, over 474 500 children have benefited from our passion,” he said.
He told the RECORD that the crippling national lockdown had an adverse effect in terms of their operation.
“If it weren’t for the pandemic, we would be at around 50 hotlines and we still need to launch in Johannesburg, Hammanskraal and Pretoria West. We are going to subdivide the East Rand hotline into Alberton, Benoni, Brakpan, Springs and parts of Thembisa at a later stage,” he said.
Through the protection hotline they occasionally do talks and visits in schools advocating against child abuse and bullying, and also teaching children about the hotline.
Services
He outlined that they will be tackling bullying, child abuse, child neglect, drug use, cyberbullying and human trafficking head on.
“If, for instance, a youngster has a problem with drug use, we will get them help. Once the number is contacted, we take hands with the relevant authorities to assist the child that is in need of care and protection. No child should have to endure any level of child abuse or neglect,” he said.
Joanna de Bruyn, general manager of Mall at Newmarket, said: “With a lot of things happening around a mall, it’s important that we partner with such an initiative to curb any form of criminal activities.”
Van Loggerenberg reiterated that the hotline number is child friendly and accessible to any child, parent or teacher via SMS, WhatsApp or phone call.
Any other person who seeks assistance for a child in need of care and protection may also contact the number.
He also assured the RECORD that for every call missed, the caller will be called back.
Their services are free and there is no cost to contact the number. Should there be a need to contact the hotline number, contact 071 523 9215 or email eastrand@toysforafrica.org.za
