Mamelodi Child Protection Hotline officially launched
This number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is available via SMS, Whatsapp and through a phone call.
The Mamelodi Child Protection Hotline was officially launched recently.
It is the 25th Child Protection Hotline to be launched and was officially launched at Luvuyo Centre for Early Childhood Development and Care in Mamelodi East.
The number for Mamelodi is 083 709 7608. This number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is available via SMS, WhatsApp and through a phone call.
There is outside data and airtime costs, but the hotline assistance is free.
Danie van Loggerenberg, founder of the Child Protection Hotlines, said Mamelodi is very special to him.
“Our charity organisation, Toys for Africa was born in Mamelodi and we had our very first handout in Mamelodi in 2010,” said Van Loggerenberg.
“We visit Mamelodi as often as we can.
“To launch the Child Protection Hotline here, is extra special and to see the passion Warrant Officer Mabel Sibanda of Mamelodi East police station has for her community, is inspirational,” said Van Loggerenberg.
Founder of Luvuyo centre, Lizo Tom said the Vision of Luvuyo Centre for Early Childhood Development and Care is that all children have a safe space to learn and play and grow up to become positive members of society.
“We are proud to be part of the child protection initiative as a centre and want all children to feel safe and be able to know what to do in time of need and how to reach out for help. We’re happy it’s now launched in Mamelodi. Thank you to our partners who made this possible in making our children safe in our communities,” said Tom.
“We are only a reporting facility and that is why we started building relationships with both Mamelodi and Mamelodi East SAPS,” said Van Loggerenberg.
He said once they receive a report they will pass it on to the correct authority, whether SAPS or social workers within jurisdiction.
“Children are our passion and no child should feel like they cannot report abuse,” he said.
The hotline is open to children, parents, teachers, grandparents, neighbours and anyone that knows about any form of child abuse, neglect or bullying.
The Child Protection Hotlines encourage parents to speak to their children, especially as Covid has brought new levels of depression among children.
“If your child is withdrawing from conversations and does not want to attend school anymore, chances are that they are being bullied and you need to report that immediately,” said Van Loggerenberg.
During the launch each child received instant porridge to take home, donated by Top Score. King Price insurance donated toys for the children.
“Over 493 500 children have benefited from the initiative so far,” concluded Van Loggerenberg.
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