Urgent appeal: Childline KZN seeks community support for Annual Telethon 2026
In a heartfelt appeal, Adeshini Naicker, director of Childline in KwaZulu-Natal, has reached out to the community for support ahead of their “Annual Telethon 2026” in partnership with the Pather and Pather Attorneys.
The organisation, which plays a critical role in safeguarding vulnerable children and families in the province, is facing unprecedented financial difficulties.
“We are currently facing significant financial challenges, and the demand for our services continues to grow. Without urgent financial support, we may be forced to scale down programmes and services that provide critical assistance to vulnerable children and families in KZN,” Naicker said.
She said contributions will help Childline KZN continue this vital work and guarantee that they can still provide essential support to those who need it most.
Naicker said Childline KZN reaches thousands of children and families monthly through 16 sub-offices across the province, including rural and high-risk areas, and five hospitals.
The organisation operates the 116 Childline toll-free helpline, provides counselling and trauma support, responds to cases of abuse and neglect, prepares children for court, and runs prevention and awareness programmes in communities and schools.
On the ground, they receive over 10,000 calls monthly from children in distress; record approximately 300 new child sexual abuse cases monthly; and reach almost 15,000 children and adults each month through their outreach and awareness programmes.
Naicker stated that behind every call and every case is a frightened child asking for help.
“Your support helps us keep the 116 Childline helpline open, pay our trained counsellors, and sustain our 16 offices across KwaZulu-Natal so that no child is left without help. Right now, our work is under serious threat due to the loss of a major funder and ongoing cuts in government funding.
“Without urgent financial support, phones will go unanswered, counselling services will be reduced, and children may remain trapped in situations of abuse and fear. Your donation helps ensure that when a child reaches out for help, someone is there to listen, protect, and care,” Naicker said.
She said these donations give a child a voice, safety, and hope, turning fear into protection and silence into support.
The telethon will be held on Friday and Saturday, February 20-21, 2026, at 123 Percy Osborne Road, Morningside.
Naicker added that donations are tax-deductible. Donors can benefit from a Section 18A tax certificate, allowing their donation to be claimed as a tax deduction before February 28.
