Benoni Child Welfare urges residents to act against child abuse

With the rising number of child abuse and trafficking cases reported to the Greater Benoni Child Welfare (GBCW), the organisation is urging the public to report incidents of child harm, not only during Child Protection Week, but every day.

According to social worker Mbali Sithole, child trafficking involves the illegal movement, recruitment, or abduction of children for exploitation.

This exploitation can take many forms, including forced labour, sexual abuse, involvement in criminal activities or illegal adoption.

“Signs that a child may be a victim of trafficking include frequent absences from school, visible signs of physical abuse or fear, sudden changes in behaviour or isolation, lack of identity documents and being closely monitored by someone older,” Sithole explained.

She urged parents and community members to help prevent child trafficking by educating children about the dangers of trafficking and how traffickers might lure them with false promises, such as job offers or modeling opportunities.

Ways to help children stay out of harm’s way include:
• Empowering children to say “no” to uncomfortable or suspicious situations.
• Reporting suspicious activities to authorities without delay.
• Collaborating as families, schools, NGOs, and community leaders to create safe spaces where children can speak out about threats or fears.
Sithole also emphasised the importance of teaching children to recognise safe and unsafe situations.
“Safe situations include being in trusted environments with known caregivers or teachers. Unsafe situations involve being alone with strangers, being offered gifts or rides, being touched inappropriately, or being asked to keep secrets that make them feel uncomfortable,” she said.
“Children need to know who to turn to when something feels wrong: a trusted adult, teacher, social worker, or police officer,” she added.
“Together, we can protect the children in our communities and give them the safe, nurturing childhood they deserve. Let’s stand united during Child Protection Week and every day to end violence and exploitation.”

If you or someone you know is in danger, contact:
• SAPS emergency number: 10111
• Emergency: 112
• Childline South Africa:116
• Social Development Helpline: 0800 60 10 11
• Gender-Based Violence Toll-Free Line: 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV)
• Tracking Helpline: 0800 222 777.

For more information on how to support or partner with GBCW, contact 011 849 5241.

• Child Protection Week is a national campaign in South Africa dedicated to raising awareness about the rights of children as outlined in the South African Constitution and the Children’s Act (Act 38 of 2005).

It is spearheaded by the Department of Social Development in collaboration with other government departments and civil society organisations committed to child protection.

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