Childline Gauteng is one of the most trusted lifelines for children who feel unsafe, unheard, or alone.
In this episode, Heidi Giokos speaks to provincial manager Sandy Mahapi, who brings decades of experience supporting children who reach out in moments of fear, confusion, or crisis.
Sandy explains what happens when a child picks up the phone to call Childline: what they say, what they fear, and how counsellors hold space with patience, skill, and calm presence.
She speaks about the large volumes of calls they receive, the kinds of issues children raise, and the emotional weight that counsellors must balance while remaining grounded enough to help.
The conversation also highlights the challenges Childline faces, including staffing limits, emotional fatigue, and the growing need for more funding and trained professionals.
This episode offers a rare, deeply human look into the protective systems that so many children rely on. Sandy’s insights remind us that creating safety begins with listening, showing up, and believing children when they reach out.
Voices of Change continues to honour frontline organisations whose work anchors families and communities in moments of uncertainty. This episode is a call to awareness, compassion, and collective responsibility.