Child protection week: Learn how to report child abuse in Gauteng

As SA marked Child Protection Week (May 29 to June 5), the Child Guardian Unit (CGU) celebrated its first anniversary by intensifying efforts to protect children and raise awareness about their rights.
The event brought together teachers, NPOs, social workers, legal professionals, police officers and the community.
'We've decided to mark our anniversary every year during Child Protection Week because it's a crucial time to shine a light on children's safety.
'Many are vaguely aware of it but don't fully understand what it means, where it fits, or how they can get involved,' said Delani Hollhumer, the co-founder of the CGU.
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Hollhumer emphasised the importance of Child Protection Week, stressing that children need to understand their rights.
They need to know they have a voice and, more importantly, that they are not alone. Hollhumer added that the week offered a platform for critical conversations.
'We're trying to raise awareness not just among children but among adults, too, parents, family members, community members, so they speak up when something isn't right. We can never have enough hard conversations about child protection.
'The statistics are grim, but the rise in reporting also shows more people are speaking out,' she added.
ALSO READ: Bedfordview Police highlight child protection week
The CGU was founded almost by accident, Delani recalls, after she met Janine Dalgleish at the Bedfordview police station. Janine had brought in a teenager in crisis, and the two began talking about gaps in the system.
'She asked me, 'Where do we go? Who do we report to?' and I said, 'I honestly don't know.' That was the start,' said Delani.
Together with local stakeholders, the Bedfordview SAPS, the Department of Social Development and community members, they began creating a network of support and reporting channels for children in crisis.
'One of the biggest challenges was that people simply didn't know where to go to report abuse or neglect. That's where we come in. We help guide people to the right organisations,' she explained.
Looking back on the first year, Delani said there's a lot to be proud of but also much more to do.
'Networking has been vital. It's not just about departments, it's about community organisations, NPOs and individuals working together.'
She added, 'Ninety per cent of my day is spent on the phone with people I've never even met. So having events like this – celebrations that double as networking opportunities – is priceless.'
Despite dealing with heartbreaking cases, the CGU staff celebrate small victories.
ALSO READ: Child Protection Week: A call to end violence against children
'We ask ourselves each day: What was our small win today? It could be a successful report or finally getting help for a child after months of trying,' said Delani.
'We know these are long processes, and we focus on reaching that end goal – safety and justice for the child.' She urged the community to be vigilant.
'If something feels off, a child looks neglected or something just doesn't sit right, report it. People often don't know where to go and feel intimidated, but don't stop.
'If it's serious and you're unsure, keep trying until you find someone who can help. And yes, you can contact us.'
The CGU, though based in Bedfordview, Edenvale, and Primrose, supports cases as far as Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, and Mpumalanga.
'People reach out and we walk them through the steps. Our network grows each year,' she said.
The organisation has just launched its website, and she encourages the public to visit to learn more or get involved.
'We've launched the CGU Ambassadors – businesses and individuals who offer their expertise. Maybe someone owns a stationery company and can help with printing. Maybe an attorney wants to offer pro bono advice. Every little bit helps.'
ALSO READ: Gauteng leads child protection efforts with accredited care centres
They've also introduced Safer Adults, carefully screened and trained volunteers, and plan to launch a new initiative called CGU Mommies.
'We're working with hospitals so volunteers can provide love and care to abandoned babies. It's about being there in those critical early days. Nothing is too big or too small.
'Maybe someone wants to host a children's party or help with the next event. Whatever it is, we're open to collaborating.'
Arlene Zlotnick, representing the Impilo Foundation, echoed the urgency of raising awareness about protecting children, 'Children are our future.
'At Impilo, we say children are born to be. Every child deserves the chance to grow into who they were meant to be, even those abandoned at birth.'
She called attention to the country's crises, including GBV and teenage pregnancy.
'We're not doing enough. One of those abandoned children could be the next president or the person who finds a cure for cancer. But they have no voice; we must speak for them.'
Arlene also raised concerns about the rising risks linked to technology.
'Online grooming and sextortion are serious threats. Children are being coerced into sending explicit photos and then blackmailed. It's a massive crisis.'
Both organisations emphasised that Child Protection Week is not a once-off campaign but a reminder of work that continues year-round.
ALSO READ: Edenvale police focus on child safety during Youth Month
The event on May 29 also celebrated the stakeholders who have helped the organisation make a difference, including the Primrose SAPS. They received a champion award.
'The first time I worked with them was with a Grade One child I came into contact with. They assisted me with all the legal matters around working with children because it's not that we are uneducated at the police station, but there's a lot of information we don't have,' explained a Primrose SAPS representative.
'They've assisted me many times, and I've assisted them many times as well. If they have a query about a child, we do welfare checks. I've done welfare checks outside my area.
'The biggest challenge we face is widespread child abuse, often in poverty-bound households where frustrated parents take it out on their children or, in some cases, sell them for sex,' they added.
Hollhumer stressed the importance of collaboration beyond the evening's dialogue. She said the organisation is big on networking and calls on other NPOs and groups doing similar work to join them.
While the unit has made great strides in securing legal support for children in crisis, they are now expanding their focus.
'We've worked incredibly hard to secure assistance from legal teams. We're now focusing on medical and mental health support. If there are counsellors or psychologists who want to assist, we would greatly appreciate it.'
The event at the Italian Club was made possible by many sponsors, including Efficient Engineering.
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