The shadows of human trafficking loom large in South Africa
In a significant effort to address this critical issue, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel recently launched Local Task Team Offices, aimed at bolstering anti-trafficking initiatives at ports of entry. This initiative is backed by a newly established policy framework designed to enhance the country's collective response to trafficking.
Highlighting the impact of ongoing efforts, Nel pointed to the rescue of 234 identified trafficking victims over the past year. 'These are 234 lives saved, and there are many more whose lives are affected by trafficking,' he emphasised.
The urgency of the situation is reflected in alarming global statistics; the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reported a 25% increase in detected trafficking victims worldwide in 2024, with children making up 38% of those affected.
According to Nel, Africa has become a significant source and destination for trafficking, with South Africa serving as both a source and transit hub.
'As a source country, South Africans are trafficked domestically and internationally. As a transit country, traffickers use our borders to move victims from neighbouring countries to other destinations,' Nel stated.
He said in an encouraging development, South Africa's efforts to combat trafficking have led to an upgrade in its status from Tier Two Watch List to Tier Two in the 2024 US Department of State's Trafficking in Persons Report. In the current financial year alone, 32 new trafficking prosecutions have been initiated, with 67 ongoing cases involving 156 accused individuals currently before the courts.
The collaborative ethos of this fight was echoed by Jason Cogill, CEO of the National Freedom Network (NFN), during this year's Human Trafficking Awareness Week, who emphasised the need for shared commitment: 'To effectively combat human trafficking, strategic networking, collaboration, and partnership are needed. Together, we are stronger. Together, we can end trafficking.'
One story that highlights the gravity of the issue shared with the Saturday Star is of a young woman named Thandi, given to protect her identity from a small town in the Eastern Cape.
Thandi was lured by a false promise of a job in the city and found herself trapped in a brothel, her freedom violently taken. After several harrowing months, she was identified as a trafficking victim during a police raid and brought to safety.
"Those first weeks, I was so scared and broken. But the social workers and ladies at the safe house, they became like my sisters. They helped me see I still had a future," she shared her harrowing experience.
Rescue was just the beginning of Thandi's road to recovery. Through the NFN's network, she entered a specialised aftercare shelter where she received medical attention and trauma counselling to begin healing the invisible wounds of abuse.
Dr. Juliet Sambo, a lecturer at the Department of Social Work and Criminology at the University of Pretoria, shed further light on the complexities of trafficking.
Sambo notes that economic disparity, alongside inadequate law enforcement, creates an environment where organised crime thrives. 'Official statistics are unreliable, obscuring the true scale of trafficking,' she explains, noting that women and children are disproportionately affected, making up 55.5% and 44.5% of victims, respectively.
The horrific case of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who went missing in February 2024, starkly illustrates the crisis. Sambo warns that trafficking is intimately tied to other illicit activities, with the internet playing a pivotal role in recruitment and exploitation.
'Human trafficking persists in South Africa due to a combination of gender inequality and economic instability,' she argued.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Justice must prevail in the 'pigsty' horror case
Staff Reporter | Updated 27 minutes ago We are deeply concerned by the horrific events currently unfolding at the Limpopo High Court, where three individuals are facing murder charges. The details surrounding the alleged deaths of Maria Makgato, 45, and Lucia Ndlovu, 34, who were reportedly shot and then fed to pigs last August on a farm near Polokwane, are profoundly disturbing and have garnered international attention. Reportedly, the victims visited the farm to scavenge soon-to-expire food, often destined for pigs The stories of brutality during the apartheid era, though not identical, resonate with such disturbing cases, including the one dating back to 2007, where a South African farmer was jailed for 20 years for killing Zimbabwean farm worker Jealous Dube, whom he claimed he had mistaken for a baboon. The intent of this editorial is not to reopen old wounds, but rather to serve as a crucial reminder to all South Africans to uphold and respect the constitution, which champions human dignity and the sanctity of life. We extend our sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased during this incredibly challenging time, and we hope they find healing and closure. It is imperative that all citizens, regardless of background, unite in condemning such acts of violence that threaten to divide our society. We are confident that the court will handle the allegations appropriately and ensure that justice is served and perceived to be served.
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
Suspended Girls High principal may appeal ruling
Phillippa Erasmus, principal of Pretoria High School for Girls, has been suspended from her position for three months without pay. This comes after her husband, on a volunteer basis without being paid, had helped maintain the school garden and managed the garden workers, as well as another charge relating to the appointment of the school's financial manager. The South African Teachers' Union and Erasmus are currently reviewing all available information and will decide whether to appeal the ruling. The union says that Erasmus has the right to appeal and, if unsatisfied, the matter can be referred back to the Education Labour Relations Council to challenge both the outcome and the sanction. Even though numerous allegations of racism were made at Pretoria High School for Girls, Erasmus has never been charged with those allegations. She was, however, charged with failing to implement the school's code of conduct. The union represented Erasmus at the trial, and she was found not guilty of the charge. In July 2024, Erasmus was suspended for the first time amid an alleged racism scandal, which came after 12 pupils were suspended for remarks in a WhatsApp group. On 31 July 2024, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane announced a formal investigation into Erasmus, alleging that she had known about the group since 2023 and had not acted. This probe began after the 12 pupils were suspended on July 24, 2024, but they were subsequently cleared of charges in early August of that year. The investigation, conducted by Mdladlamba Attorneys, spanned about three months and culminated in an official report and misconduct charges against Erasmus in November 2024. 'Following consideration of mitigating and aggravating circumstances, a sanction of three months' suspension without pay was imposed a year later. 'The presiding officer chose not to apply other possible sanctions such as counselling, warnings, fines, or demotion,' said Dems Nel, head of the South African Teachers' Union's department of legal services. He has spoken out strongly against the treatment of Erasmus, stating that she was 'unjustly labelled a racist without cause'. 'The Department of Education appointed a law firm to conduct an investigation focused on whether racism was present at the school. 'To date, the report's findings have not been made public, and those charged based on its outcome, including Erasmus, have not even had the opportunity to review the report or defend themselves. 'This is extremely unfair,' Nel said. Nel further condemned the department's handling of members during the investigation. 'Last year, the union filed a grievance over how our members were treated before and during the probe. 'The department failed to address this grievance, forcing the union to apply to the court for an urgent interdict to compel the department to deal with it. 'We await the case placement and will take further steps if the grievance is not properly resolved. No member should ever face such gross unfairness from an employer.' Meanwhile, Sergio Isa Dos Santos, a DA MPL for Gauteng, sharply criticised the Department of Education's ongoing actions. 'The Gauteng Department of Education's continued persecution of Pretoria High School for Girls principal, Philippa Erasmus, who has now been found guilty on a frivolous charge because her husband assisted with landscaping at the school as a voluntary act, is unacceptable and delays progressive learning and teaching at this school,' Dos Santos said. He urged the MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, to 'reverse this decision and end the ongoing harassment and humiliation of this dedicated principal who is unjustly denied the opportunity to teach and guide learners at Pretoria High School for Girls'. 'This disgraceful outcome reinforces our consistent assertion: under MEC Matome, the department will go to great lengths to justify its political vendetta against Erasmus,' Dos Santos added. He highlighted that the original investigation focused on racism allegations, of which Erasmus was cleared. 'Instead of accepting this outcome, the department, through its attorneys, deviated from the initial terms of reference in a desperate attempt to find evidence to punish the principal.' Calling the guilty verdict 'absurd,' Dos Santos said it exposed a department more concerned with saving face than achieving justice or educational improvement. 'The department's handling of disciplinary issues has become erratic and inconsistent, often influenced by political agendas. 'It is perplexing why the department has been slow to act in many serious cases, especially those threatening learner safety, yet has moved with unusual speed and vengeance in this instance.' Both Erasmus and the school's governing body have referred questions to the South African Teachers' Union. ALSO READ: Hero father who was killed protecting his family to be laid to rest next week Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
eNCA
2 hours ago
- eNCA
G20 South Africa 2025: A Defining Moment for the Nation and the Continent
South Africa is preparing to welcome the world in 2025 as it assumes (South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency from December 1, 2024, to November 2025) the presidency and hosts the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, a moment of national pride and continental significance. This milestone places South Africa, and by extension Africa, at the centre of global dialogue on economic growth, sustainable development, climate resilience, digital transformation, and multilateral cooperation. In the words of South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, South Africa's goal is to promote mutually beneficial economic growth, create jobs and advance sustainable development for its partner nations. The Group of Twenty, commonly known as the G20, is the world's premier forum for economic cooperation. Representing more than 85% of global GDP, over 75% of world trade, and two-thirds of the planet's population, the G20 convenes the most powerful economies to address pressing global challenges. As the only African founding member of the G20, South Africa's presidency could not be more timely or symbolic. At a time when the world is redefining recovery and resilience in the wake of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and climate disasters, South Africa brings a grounded, inclusive voice to the table, one that reflects the aspirations of the Global South and the urgent developmental needs of the African continent. The G20 countries' ability to respond collectively to mounting challenges facing the multilateral system will determine both the speed of global recovery and the future of sustainable development. Under the banner of 'inclusive growth for a just world,' South Africa's leadership is expected to spotlight issues such as financing for sustainable infrastructure, the global energy transition, youth employment, food security, digital inclusion, and equitable access to global markets. These are not only global concerns, but they are also everyday realities for millions across Africa. The Summit will attract heads of state, finance ministers, central bank governors, and global institutions like the UN, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. Beyond political leadership, the G20 also engages civil society, youth, women, labour, business, and think tanks through structured engagement groups—offering platforms for a wider range of voices to shape global policy. Johannesburg, as host city, will become a strategic hub of diplomacy, business exchange, and cultural showcase. While the summit itself is a high-level, closed-door affair, South Africans can expect a wave of public engagement, community-driven programmes, investment conversations, and national pride as the event draws near. 'The G20 presidency is a powerful opportunity for South Africa to place Africa's priorities at the heart of global decision-making. We are committed to driving an inclusive agenda that ensures no country, and no person, is left behind.' – President Cyril Ramaphosa. For the South African government, this is more than ceremonial. It is an opportunity for G20 members to transform commitments into lasting action. Key issues remain a challenge in the country and the continent, and there is a call for greater accountability to drive tangible progress in the global pursuit of gender equality SA's G20 presidency is also an opportunity to elevate African perspectives, strengthen international alliances, and advSouth Africa is preparing to welcome the world in 2025 as it assumes (South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency from December 1, 2024, to November 2025) the presidency and hosts the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, a moment of national pride and continental significance. This milestone places South Africa, and by extension Africa, at the centre of global dialogue on economic growth, sustainable development, climate resilience, digital transformation, and multilateral cooperation. In the words of South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, South Africa's goal is to promote mutually beneficial economic growth, create jobs and advance sustainable development for its partner nations. The Group of Twenty, commonly known as the G20, is the world's premier forum for economic cooperation. Representing more than 85% of global GDP, over 75% of world trade, and two-thirds of the planet's population, the G20 convenes the most powerful economies to address pressing global challenges. As the only African founding member of the G20, South Africa's presidency could not be more timely or symbolic. At a time when the world is redefining recovery and resilience in the wake of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and climate disasters, South Africa brings a grounded, inclusive voice to the table, one that reflects the aspirations of the Global South and the urgent developmental needs of the African continent. The G20 countries' ability to respond collectively to mounting challenges facing the multilateral system will determine both the speed of global recovery and the future of sustainable development. Under the banner of 'inclusive growth for a just world,' South Africa's leadership is expected to spotlight issues such as financing for sustainable infrastructure, the global energy transition, youth employment, food security, digital inclusion, and equitable access to global markets. These are not only global concerns, but they are also everyday realities for millions across Africa. The Summit will attract heads of state, finance ministers, central bank governors, and global institutions like the UN, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. Beyond political leadership, the G20 also engages civil society, youth, women, labour, business, and think tanks through structured engagement groups—offering platforms for a wider range of voices to shape global policy. Johannesburg, as host city, will become a strategic hub of diplomacy, business exchange, and cultural showcase. While the summit itself is a high-level, closed-door affair, South Africans can expect a wave of public engagement, community-driven programmes, investment conversations, and national pride as the event draws near. 'The G20 presidency is a powerful opportunity for South Africa to place Africa's priorities at the heart of global decision-making. We are committed to driving an inclusive agenda that ensures no country, and no person, is left behind.' – President Cyril Ramaphosa. For the South African government, this is more than ceremonial. It is an opportunity for G20 members to transform commitments into lasting action. Key issues remain a challenge in the country and the continent, and there is a call for greater accountability to drive tangible progress in the global pursuit of gender equality SA's G20 presidency is also an opportunity to elevate African perspectives, strengthen international alliances, and advance sustainable development goals. It is a chance to reinforce South Africa's commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation at a time when unity is more important than ever. As preparations intensify in the coming months, all eyes will be on South Africa not just as a host, but as a bridge between developed and developing economies. The 2025 G20 Summit is more than just a gathering of nations. It is a moment for South Africa to lead with purpose, to shape global consensus, and to drive transformation that begins on the continent but resonates across the globe. Stay updated by visiting or follow #G20SouthAfrica2025 for news, opportunities, and ways to engage. ance sustainable development goals. It is a chance to reinforce South Africa's commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation at a time when unity is more important than ever. As preparations intensify in the coming months, all eyes will be on South Africa not just as a host, but as a bridge between developed and developing economies. The 2025 G20 Summit is more than just a gathering of nations. It is a moment for South Africa to lead with purpose, to shape global consensus, and to drive transformation that begins on the continent but resonates across the globe.
