Pretoria – Thousands of men, women, and children are being trafficked in South Africa for forced labour and sexual exploitation, the Department of Social Development has warned.
Commemorating World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the department acknowledged that: “South Africa remains a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to the crime of trafficking”.
According to the June 2023 publication “Human Trafficking in South Africa” by the Human Sciences Research Council, it is estimated that a possible 250 000 people have fallen victim to human trafficking in South Africa alone.
In line with this year’s theme: “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking”, the department on Tuesday, (30 July 2024), warned South Africans, especially caregivers, about the prevalence of human trafficking and appealed for their vigilance when it comes to protecting children.
Children represent a significant proportion of trafficking victims worldwide, with girls being disproportionately affected.
In terms of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, children are twice as likely to face violence during trafficking than adults.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and the Caribbean, they make up 60% of detected trafficking victims.
South Africa remains a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to the crime of trafficking for forced labour and sexual exploitation.
While South Africa was being used by traffickers to harbour victims in transit to other countries, South Africans were also being trafficked to other parts of the globe,
Victims of trafficking are also brought into the country to be exploited.
Traffickers control victims through deception, intimidation, threats, use of force, withholding of passports, debt bondage, and forced use of drugs and alcohol.
In South Africa, trafficking victims can be identified at bus and taxi ranks, mainly, the long-distance ranks.
On Thursday and Friday, (1 and 2 August 2024), a group of Western Cape Social Workers from the Cape Metro Region will be trained on identifying and preventing “Trafficking in Persons”.
Gauteng commuters, drivers, and marshals will be at the Johannesburg taxi ranks with taxi associations to heighten awareness.
The department said children from impoverished and unstable backgrounds were particularly vulnerable to trafficking.
Department of Social Development Deputy Director: Child Exploitation; Gyan Dwarika said: “Traffickers exploit situations such as poverty, lack of education, gender-based violence, and inadequate parental care.”
The department emphasises community involvement, international cooperation, and leveraging technology to prevent child trafficking and ensure comprehensive support for victims.
Dwarika said: “Parents and communities must understand the methods used by traffickers and take proactive steps to safeguard children.”
The Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act (PACOTIP) of 2013 is a critical legislative tool in South Africa’s fight against human trafficking.
The PACOTIP Act requires anyone who suspects a child is a victim of trafficking to report their suspicions to the police immediately.
The Act also outlines steps for temporary safe care and the assessment of the child’s status as a trafficking victim.
At least 24 shelters are accredited to provide services to adult victims of trafficking.
“While technology has been exploited by traffickers to lure and control victims, it can also be a powerful tool in the fight against trafficking,” Dwarika advised.
