By Peggie Mars
Founder, Wheel Well – Child Road Safety NGO

Daily life already asks enough of us without adding another shadow to the school run or the commute. Yet kidnapping in South Africa has shifted from a distant fear to a growing, uncomfortable reality. Not to terrify parents or make children shrink their world – but to remind us that awareness, small habits, and community vigilance genuinely make families safer.

Police-recorded figures and independent analysis over the past decade show a steep climb in kidnappings across the country. Some of the increase comes from better reporting, but much reflects a genuine rise. And these incidents vary. Many are “express kidnappings” linked to robberies or hijackings – fast, violent and driven by opportunity. Others are organised, targeted, or linked to trafficking. Recent police rescues and trafficking convictions confirm how broad the spectrum really is.

Gauteng remains a hotspot in national datasets, sometimes accounting for more than half of reported cases – but no province is untouched. This means parents, commuters, and caregivers need practical precautions that fit into real life, not fear.

This is not about living afraid. It’s about living informed.

Who’s Being Targeted – And Why It Matters to Every Family

Kidnappers are not only after the wealthy or high-profile. Many victims are chosen simply because the moment presents itself:

• a distracted driver
• a car door unlocked at an intersection
• valuables left visible
• or a child who is briefly out of sight

Ransom kidnappings still happen, but the majority are quick, opportunistic and closely linked to everyday crimes like hijacking and robbery. People have been taken leaving church, running errands, or fetching children from school. Children too have been targeted – sometimes by strangers, sometimes by acquaintances, and in rare but devastating cases, by organised groups.

Practical Steps to Reduce Risk

These are simple, teachable, everyday habits that have real impact without creating fear.

1. Keep your awareness switched on

Phones and earbuds are distractions. Put them away when approaching your vehicle, walking through parking areas, waiting at robots, or loading children.

2. Lock doors and windows – always

Keep car doors locked and windows up, especially in traffic. At home, don’t leave gates or garages standing open.

3. Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle

Not for a moment, not even “just while I dash inside.”
Unattended children are easy targets, and in seconds an opportunistic criminal can take a child – or the entire car with the child inside. It is one of the fastest, most preventable routes to abduction.

4. Vary your routines

Predictability makes surveillance easy. Change routes or adjust timing slightly when possible.

5. Teach children who is allowed to fetch them

Children must understand a clear, non-negotiable rule: they only go with the parent or caregiver who is supposed to collect them – nobody else.
Not with a “family friend,” not with a neighbour, not with someone who claims “Mom said I must pick you up.”

Older children with cellphones must confirm with the parent they live with before going with any adult, whether it’s a stranger or a familiar face.
This creates a simple, powerful system:

• If someone else truly needs to fetch the child, the parent confirms directly with the child.
• No confirmation = no going anywhere.
  It’s a calm, empowering rule that protects children without frightening them.

6. Use live-location responsibly

Share your location with one trusted person when travelling alone or at unusual times. Teach your family how to send an emergency location pin instantly.

7. Teach children simple safety scripts

Short, clear rules empower without scaring:
• “Stay with your group.”
• “Check with the teacher before leaving the playground.”
• Family code word for pickups.

8. Choose transport carefully

For ride-hailing: confirm the number plate, model and driver photo.
For mini-bus taxis: travel with known, reputable drivers and try to sit near the front.

9. Hide valuables

Visible phones, laptops, handbags or cash create opportunity. Remove temptation.

10. Learn basic hijack-avoidance skills

Safe following distance, escape gaps, and understanding what to do if boxed in can save lives. This is preparation, not paranoia.

11. Report incidents and suspicious behaviour

Even “small” attempts matter. Police need data to identify hotspots, syndicates and patterns.

12. Build community systems

School gate volunteers, WhatsApp groups, neighbour watch networks – these amplify awareness and share real-time information that individuals might miss.

If the Worst Happens

Clear actions save precious time:

• Try to stay calm and observe details (car type, colour, direction).
• Activate live-location if you safely can.
• Call emergency services and your nearest police station immediately.
• Preserve the scene – don’t clean or move anything.
• Alert trusted family or neighbours at once.

South Africa Needs Better Systems – And Stronger Community Habits

The rise in kidnappings demands stronger policing, better-trained specialised units, coordinated intelligence, and consistent prosecution. Recent high-profile rescues prove that progress is possible when these systems align. At the same time, tragic trafficking cases show how far we still have to go.

Communities cannot replace formal policing – but we can close the gaps with awareness, routine, and communal vigilance.

The Final Word – Awareness is Power, Not Panic

We’re not here to raise anxious children or turn parents into bodyguards. We’re here to build families who move through the world alert, prepared, and connected. A locked door, a changed route, a code word, a neighbour who pays attention – these tiny habits add up to real safety.

When knowledge replaces fear, confidence grows – and so does protection.

Much love
Peggie

By Peggie Mars
Founder, Wheel Well – Child Road Safety NGO

Why Weight Alone Isn’t the Whole Story

Hitting the 36 kg upper limit on a booster seat can leave parents wondering: “Is my child ready to move to the adult seat belt?” The answer isn’t always straightforward—because weight alone doesn’t tell the whole story.

The Booster and Seat Belt: A Team for Safety

Booster seats don’t just raise a child – they work together with the seat belt to keep your child safe. The lap belt should sit low on the hips, and the shoulder belt should cross the chest, not the neck.

The adult seat belt is designed to restrain far more than 36 kg. So, if your child reaches that weight before they are tall enough for proper belt fit, the booster may still be the safest option.

Booster seats are tested and certified under ECE R44/04 and the newer ECE R129 / i-Size standards, which ensure proper belt positioning and crash performance.

Shopping for a Booster: Think Ahead

A booster seat is not a short-term purchase – it’s something your child may use for six years or more. When shopping for a booster, parents should consider:

• Current weight and height, and how the child is likely to grow
• Comfort for larger or taller children, especially those above the 85th percentile
• Belt positioning and the booster’s ability to maintain correct fit over time

Thinking with the end in mind helps ensure that the booster will continue to provide proper belt alignment and comfort throughout childhood. Some boosters are designed to accommodate children of a bigger build, allowing them to sit safely and comfortably as they grow.

Comfort and Fit for Children Above the 85th Percentile

Children come in all shapes and sizes. For those above the 85th percentile, comfort is just as important as safety. A well-fitting booster ensures the seat belt stays in the correct position while allowing your child to sit comfortably for every journey. Choosing a booster that considers both belt fit and comfort helps your child stay properly restrained, happy, and secure on longer trips.

How to Know Your Child is Ready

Use the belt-fit test:

• Lap belt low across the hips
• Shoulder belt across the mid-shoulder and chest
• Child sits comfortably all the way back against the seat
• Their knees can bend comfortably over the edge of the seat
• And they can sit like this for the whole ride.

If these checks aren’t passed – even if your child is heavier than 36 kg – the booster remains the safest choice.

You’re Not Alone on This Journey

Every child grows differently, and car seat decisions can feel overwhelming. This is a shared journey, and we’re here to help. Sometimes a conversation in time can save money and frustrations.

If you’re unsure whether your child is ready to transition out of a booster – or which booster is right for their build – WhatsApp us on 073 393 7356 or visit our website at www.wheelwell.co.za. Together, we’ll ensure your child stays safe, comfortable, and confident on every journey.

The Takeaway

Weight alone doesn’t dictate when a child should move out of a booster. Seat belt fit, positioning, comfort, and forward-thinking booster choice are what truly matter. By thinking ahead and choosing the right booster for your child’s current size and expected growth, you set them up for years of safe travel.

Remember – the booster and seat belt are a team, keeping your child protected every step of the way.

By Peggie Mars
Founder, Wheel Well – Child Road Safety NGO

Beyond “Just in Case”: The Everyday Superpowers of Your Child’s Car Seat

For many parents, the child car seat feels like a necessary evil. It’s bulky, sometimes tricky to install, and often the source of a wrestling match with a resistant toddler. We all know its primary, life-saving purpose – protection in a crash – but that’s an “invisible” benefit we desperately hope we’ll never have to experience. This focus on a rare event can leave us neglecting the daily value of child restraint systems.

But what if your car seat offered a tangible, daily return on investment? What if it wasn’t just about protection, but about making every single journey better, safer, and calmer? It does. Let’s explore the often-overlooked, everyday superpowers of that essential piece of safety equipment.

The Gift of Focus: Reduced Driver Distraction

Imagine driving down a busy street, your little one unbuckled. Suddenly, they drop a toy, try to open the window, or launch themselves into the space between the seats. Your attention immediately snaps away from the road, threatening driving safety.

This is where the car seat shines brightest, every single day. When your child is securely harnessed, they are contained. They can’t unbuckle themselves, stand up, or interfere with your driving. This isn’t just about preventing a major crash; it’s about reducing daily driver distraction. You can dedicate your full attention to navigating traffic and managing road hazards, translating to a safer, less stressful drive for everyone.

Cultivating Calm: Routine and Family Travel Management

Children thrive on routine and predictability. The child restraint offers a consistent boundary and a clear “spot” for your child in the car. This daily ritual establishes clear expectations and can significantly reduce in-car power struggles. For infants and toddlers, the car seat is also a familiar, cozy space, often conducive to quiet observation or naptime, improving the family travel experience.

Practical Tip: The Car Seat Cuddle

You can enhance this routine by intentionally inserting a moment of affection right after the final click of the buckle. Flip the script and associate the seat with positive emotional connection.

1. Secure First: Go through the steps of buckling and snugging the harness straps efficiently.
2. Affection Second: Once the safety steps are complete, lean in close and give a focused hug, a kiss on the head, or a moment of close eye contact. This simple act anchors the security of the harness not just to restriction, but to love and care.

Master the “Cargo First” Principle: Parking Lot Safety

The transition from a store to the car is often one of the most hazardous moments for parents. Juggling keys, bags, and a squirming child in a busy parking lot demands attention. The car seat offers a simple, powerful solution: Always buckle the child first, then deal with the cargo.

Think of the car seat as your mobile safety station. Once your little one is securely harnessed, you are free to walk around the car, open the boot, and stow all your shopping bags or parcels without having to worry about an unrestrained child wandering into traffic. This shift in routine turns the car seat into a tool for hazard management, making the hectic parking lot dash significantly safer and much less stressful. For safety reasons, remember that even when your child is buckled, they should never be left unsupervised in the car, even for a moment, due to risks like heatstroke.

Modelling Safety: Instilling Lifelong Habits

Beyond the immediate commute, every time you diligently buckle your child in, you are leading by example and teaching them one of life’s most fundamental safety lessons: safety is non-negotiable.

By consistently prioritizing car seat use, you instil a powerful, lifelong habit that will stay with them into adolescence and adulthood. This daily demonstration builds a foundation for a culture of safety within your family, equipping your child with a mindset that will influence their future safety choices.

The Bottom Line: A Daily Return on Investment

Your child’s car seat is, unequivocally, their most vital protector in the event of a crash. But its value extends far beyond that “invisible” return. It’s a daily partner in parenting, offering tangible benefits that enhance your focus, promote calm, provide comfort, teach invaluable lessons, and foster a more enjoyable journey for everyone.

The next time you buckle your child in, remember you’re not just fulfilling a requirement; you’re activating a suite of everyday superpowers that make your drives safer, saner, and ultimately, much more pleasant. That’s a daily return on investment worth celebrating.