In an effort to reach out and assist more children across the community, the Sandton and Alexandra Child Protection Hotlines were launched on November 25.
Together with Sandton investment firm Mazi Asset Management, the hotlines are now available to assist children who are facing a number of issues in their daily lives – whether that includes connecting a child with the South African Police Service, the Department of Social Development, a lawyer, etc.
The local hotlines, which join dozens more covering various communities in Gauteng, were started by a father himself, Danie van Loggerenberg.
“We have got hotlines in most of our areas across Gauteng because it is important that if we say we cater for children, that means the child that walks to school and the child that is dropped off at school in a fancy car,” said Van Loggerenberg.
He added that both cases still centre around a child, no matter their circumstance, and they need their parents, the community and assistance.
So far the organisation has picked up on issues around neglect and child abuse in Alexandra while there have been quite a few concerns around cyberbullying in Sandton.
“We are going to face different challenges in Sandton [and Alexandra], and we will be building a relationship with the Sandton Police Station because they would [already] know what is going on here,” said van Loggerenberg.
While these issues are different, they are all the same because, at the end of the day, it damages a child.
Residents are encouraged to take note of the protection hotline numbers:
- Sandton Child Protection Hotline – 079 687 3537
- Alexandra Child Protection Hotline – 079 548 4254.
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