National Centre for Child Protection

We were like sponges today.

Learning from judges, advocates, attorneys, clinical psychologists and many more.

Thank you F van Wyk Inc. for your Family Law Conference.

One thing is certain, the "cowboys", the "hired guns", the "rogue agents", the "snakes in a suit", are being forced out and the litigation hungry at the expense of children will be found out.

It makes us happy that the people that want to see the best interest child standard being adhered to, are at the top in law.

Look at the faces. They aren’t just faces that resemble your own child, they resemble you from a few to many years ago.

Every child has a mother. Every child has a father. But what happens when the world outside their front door forgets to protect them?

Deep down, there is a child that once was, in all of us. You don't need to share a last name, a home, or a bloodline to feel that fierce, protective ache in your chest when a child is hurting, scared, or neglected.

When we look at a child in danger, we shouldn't see "someone else's problem." We must see our own. We must see a daughter who deserves to feel safe walking home. We must see a son who deserves to grow up without fear.

Protection isn't just a legal duty; it’s a human promise. It’s the vigilance to notice the quiet changes, the courage to speak up when something feels wrong, and the love to extend a hand when a hand is desperately needed.

Because the moment we look away, we fail the most vulnerable among us.

We were all once children. They are all our children. Their safety is our shared sacred duty.

Speak up. Step in. Protect.

Join us today for a

We are speaking and everything inbetween, from the to the to the

Did you know?

Under South Africa’s Children’s Act 38 of 2005, children and communities have direct access to justice.

Section 53, 54 and 55 are not spoken about often, but within them, there is a wealth of knowledge.

These sections quietly empower children to be heard, represented, and protected. Turning rights into action.

Justice. Access. Protection.
That’s how we build a system where every child’s voice matters.



53. Who may approach court
(1) Except where otherwise provided in this Act, any person listed in this section may bring a matter which falls within the jurisdiction of a children’s court, to a clerk of the children’s court for referral to a children’s court.
(2) The persons who may approach a court, are—
(a) A child who is affected by or involved in the matter to be adjudicated;
(b) anyone acting in the interest of the child;
(c) anyone acting on behalf of a child who cannot act in his or her own name;
(d) anyone acting as a member of, or in the interest of, a group or class of children; and
(e) anyone acting in the public interest.

54. Legal representation
A person who is a party in a matter before a children’s court is entitled to appoint a legal practitioner of his or her own choice and at his or her own expense.

55. Legal representation of children
(1) Where a child involved in a matter before the children’s court is not represented by a legal representative, and the court is of the opinion that it would be in the best interests of the child to have legal representation, the court must refer the matter to Legal Aid South Africa referred to in section 2 of the Legal Aid South Africa Act, 2014.
(2) The Board must deal with a matter referred to in subsection (1) in accordance with section 3B of that Act, read with the changes required by the context.

Youth Day reminds us that courage and vision start young.

South Africa’s youth have always been the spark for change, from 1976 to today.
Their dreams shape our future, their voices drive progress, and their unity inspires hope.

Let’s celebrate their strength and remind every young person:
Dream Big. Spark Change. Rise Together.

Cults isolate. Gangs exploit. But children deserve belonging without fear.

Too many young people in South Africa are being pulled into destructive groups. They enter searching for identity, protection, and community, but find manipulation and terror instead.

By convincing a child that they chose the cult or the gang, leaders gain unlimited control. It creates a psychological trap that makes little sense to the outside world, but feels impossible for the child to escape from.

We can break the cycle:
• LISTEN | Children’s voices matter. We must learn to look past the surface and hear their authentic voice, not the manipulated script handed to them by predators.
• CONNECT | They need safe spaces to belong. As parents, we must create open dialogue and set firm foundations. Remember: You are not their friend; you are their parent. They need your boundaries just as much as your love.
• PROTECT | They are our future. Never feel shy about stepping in. Never allow yourself to be intimidated out of protecting your own child.

Safe connections and strong communities create brighter futures. Choices today change tomorrow.

Let’s be the difference.

Some paths don’t ask for permission, they choose you.

This morning, we spoke at a church about child protection.
The children, reminded us again, that this work isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling.

Whenever a request comes in for a Saturday or Sunday speaking engagement, saying yes is the easy part. Realising it comes with great responsibility and with great purpose, makes us take account of every word that we use.

Every conversation, every workshop, every moment of awareness is a chance to protect a child’s future. And the honour to touch one life, and assist one child in making better decisions, makes it worth it over and over again.

This path chose us, and we choose it back, every day.

Online Safety | Child Protection | Safety Measures Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

COMING-UP: CEO of the National Centre for Child Protection and Mental Health, Danie van Loggerenberg joins Lunchtime Affair with host, Thandolwethu Msiza to raise awareness about how young people can protect their mental well-being in a fast-paced world, sharing practical tips on managing stress, building resilience, and maintaining a healthy balance in everyday life.