“It’s time for us to come together as fellow South Africans to formulate a robust partnership and campaign of HOPE and HEALING for our children. We need to have a zero tolerance for the abuse and exploitation of children and inculcate a culture of caring, responsibility and protecting,” head of Childline KZN, Linda Naidoo, said.

From Sunday, 27 May children from across KwaZulu-Natal will be invited to make their voices heard by sending their messages on white balloons to Childline KZN. These will be collated and delivered to Premier Zweli Mkhize on Monday, 11 June.

"A white balloon has been chosen as the symbol for the campaign as it represents a play thing that should make our children happy. However, it also represents a speech bubble that can give voice to our children’s expressions and calls for help as well as our own protests. This campaign should prompt every one of us to reflect on what we can do to help rid our society of abuse, neglect and exploitation,” Naidoo added.

One of the most important tools to deal with abuse is the critically important 24/7 provincial crisis line. Each year, Childline KZN receives around 300 000 calls. “This line is failing many desperate children due to lack of funding and capacity. We need to sustain a vital resource such as this so that children even in the most remote locations can have a means to reach out for help and to speak to a counsellor. The impact and affirmation that a child can get through the crisis line when lonely or rejected or abused is invaluable. A singe call could also ensure his or her safety.”

She pointed out that, for Childline KZN and the many children it helped each year, the overarching message was: Love us, protect us, and don’t hurt us. We are the future.

“If we dare to dream of a society free of abuse, where our children can be free to laugh and feel safe, this is that time to unite and stand together – corporations, faith-based organisations, community-based organisations, government, children and citizens – make that investment in the future of our children so that we can create a better South Africa. What hope do our children have if we continue to keep quiet and do nothing about abuse? Naidoo said.

All concerned South Africans, corporations and CBOs, children, faith-based organisations NGOs are invited to participate in the ‘short’ march to unite from Childline KZN office to Moses Mabhida Stadium – to show our unity against the exploitation of children on Wednesday, 6 June at 12:00. All participants are to meet at 11:45 at 123 Percy Osborne Road, Morningside.

The White Balloons cost only R10 each and the revenue generated by what will become an annual White Balloon Campaign will be used to fund the existing Childline KZN crisis line which expects an increased call load during holidays and special events such as Child Protection Week.

Please contact Romaine or Happiness on 031 312 0904 during office hours to purchase a white balloon and show your support!