Child Protection Hotline launches numbers dedicated for the Bronkhorstspruit area
It is okay ‘tell on’ them if they have hurt you. Tell us, we are listening #everychildmatters #iwill
The Child Protection Hotline numbers are aimed at a child in need.
The hotlines are open for an abused child that wants to report the abuse of any kind.
It will, however, also be available to anyone that wants to report child abuse, neglect, bullying and child trafficking.
Four new childline numbers for the Bronkhorstspruit area were launched at the Bronkhorstspruit Police Station on Wednesday, March 16.
There are currently 71 Childline Protect Hotlines across the country.
Danie van Loggerenberg, the founder of Childline Protect assured the police that the organisation carries only the best interest of children at heart.
The station commander of the Bronkhorstspruit Police, Col Maqhawe Dhladhla has welcomed the initiative and he assured the police’s full cooperation to the volunteers from Child Protection Hotline.
“We are looking forward to a good working relationship,” said Col Dhladhla.
Van Loggerenberg has been working with children for the past 12 years. He said their main aim is to make sure that no child falls through the cracks.
“We are open 24/7/365. We are open via WhatsApp, SMS or phone call.
Van Loggerenberg said that in most children’s rape cases, the perpetrator is a near family member.
“For that reason, the child will unfortunately not phone any stranger. It has, however, become clear that the victims are more comfortable sending a WhatsApp message or SMS, just saying; ‘help me.”
According to Van Loggerenberg, that is when the victims begin to share the information and from there on, it is shared with the relevant people in the area.
“We need to make sure that a child knows that there is help out there, whether it is the police or someone within the Childline Protect organisation.
“We will from thereon source the problem out to the relevant organisation, for example, the CMR, Tutela, Child Welfare or whoever have jurisdiction of that area.”
“With the cooperation of the police, we are planning to visit schools in the area.”
The Childline Protect Hotline is a non-profit organisation (NPO) and is free of charge to anyone. It relies on its corporate sponsors.
“It is completely free, we are available and we are willing to help. A big thank you King Price Insurance, Top Score Instant Porridge, SA Pasta Polana, South Africa Hills Incorporated, All Business 4 You, Crazy
Monkey Centurion, Dumisani Stationery and Toys (Pty) Ltd,” said Van Loggerenberg.
“I encourage parents and children alike to use the Child Protection Services. It is important to be able to approach and work together with our stakeholders when it comes to the protection of our country’s future, our children,” Col Dhladhla concluded.
The Child Protection Hotline numbers for the Bronkhorstspruit area are:
Bronkhorstspruit – 079 378 0861
Ekangala – 063 917 3902
Refilwe – 063 005 4405
Cullinan – 079 350 8832
It is okay to tell on them if they have hurt you. Tell us, we are listening #everychildmatters #iwill
