The Eldorado Park Community Stakeholders Intervention (EPCSI) officially launched its Child Protection Week activation campaign with an awareness drive at the corner of Arlberg Avenue and Milnerton Street in Extension Four on May 29.
Various organisations and government departments formed part of the initiative, including Come Back Mission, No More Victims, From Gangs To Grace, SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Community Policing Forum (CPF), Gauteng Department of Social Development, Metro World Kids SA, Eldorado Park Women’s Forum, Eldorado Park Family Crisis Centre, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Aced Centre, Home Affairs and local security companies.
According to the chairperson of EPCSI, Charyl Pillay, the campaign forms part of ongoing efforts by stakeholders to address social challenges affecting children and families in Eldorado Park.
“As Eldorado Park stakeholders, we have a community stakeholders forum where we meet monthly to look at the social ills in the area and address whatever is needed,” said Pillay.
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She explained that the organisations work together throughout the year and not only during Child Protection Week.
“It is 365 days of child protection in this community.”
“Our focus this year is on effective parenting and parental roles and responsibilities.”
“We want to hold parents accountable, but we also want to offer help to those who are struggling,” she said.
Pillay said the stakeholders are aiming to restore and reunify families instead of removing children from their homes wherever possible.
“We don’t want to break up families. It is traumatic to remove children. The best option is to assist, rehabilitate and restore families,” she added.
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Reflecting on last year’s intervention operations, Pillay revealed that 74 children were removed from 52 homes during August 2025 due to safety concerns.
“More than 50% of those children were placed with relatives within the community because we try to keep children within family spaces where possible,” she explained.
However, she acknowledged the emotional impact of removal on children.
“You are raising broken children when they are removed from their homes.”
“That is why this year we are trying to see how many families we can support before intervention becomes necessary,” said Pillay.
As part of the campaign launch, trauma teddy bears and blankets knitted by community members through Come Back Mission were handed over to the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit to comfort children affected by abuse.
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“We also donated worry worms for children dealing with anxiety, trauma and mental health challenges,” Pillay said.
The awareness programme includes door-to-door visits in identified hotspot areas, community engagements and parenting workshops.
“On June 9, we will conclude with an effective parenting programme led by the Department of Social Development and Child Welfare for parents who need support and guidance,” she said.
Also participating in the campaign was Ilizwe Future Bridge Builders, an after-school support organisation based in Extension Nine.
Director Oralene Lakai said the organisation was established after volunteers noticed children roaming the streets without supervision.
“We started an after-school programme about two years ago to assist children with homework and provide support,” she said.
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Lakai explained that the programme has since expanded to include home visits, food assistance, clothing support and diversion programmes such as music lessons.
“Our goal is to support children in every area of their lives and help prevent them from turning to drugs and gangsterism,” she added.
City of Johannesburg Speaker of Council Margaret Arnolds also attended the launch in her personal capacity as an activist and resident of Eldorado Park.
“I am not here as the Speaker of the City, but as a mother and activist in Eldorado Park,” said Arnolds.
She stressed that child abuse is a widespread problem that requires communities to work together continuously.
“We are not there to take children away. We want to save families, restore dignity and build stronger communities,” she said.
Arnolds encouraged residents to continue supporting vulnerable children and families beyond Child Protection Week.
“If we have safe and supported children, we will have safe and sane adults and ultimately a safer Eldorado Park,” she concluded.
