Gauteng is human trafficking hot spot
The public is urged to report any human trafficking suspicions to 0800 222 777 or visit 0800222777.org.za.
Gauteng including several Ekurhuleni areas was identified as hot spots for human trafficking.
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This is according to the #TheTraffickYouNeedToKnow campaign implemented by NGOs – a21, the National Freedom Network and award-winning through-the-line agency Think Creative Africa.
The #TheTraffickYouNeedToKnow focuses on the state of human trafficking in South Africa, a country that is a source, destination and transit country for human trafficking, particularly in Gauteng.
It also aims to bring awareness to trafficking hot spots throughout South Africa, and by doing so, bring awareness to communities so they know what to look out for and how to stay safe.
According to the campaign, human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world, generating more than R258 trillion per year.
An estimate of 2.8 out of every 1 000 people in Africa are living in modern-day slavery. Of the trafficked victims recorded in Africa, 64% are children.
The different types of human trafficking include trafficking for forced criminal activities, trafficking for sexual exploitation, trafficking for forced labour, and trafficking for the removal of organs.
Human trafficking also affects men, with several recent rescue efforts of large numbers of potential victims from houses in Gauteng where they were being held.
The campaign has highlighted the different types of human trafficking, which include trafficking for forced criminal activities, trafficking for sexual exploitation, trafficking for forced labour and trafficking for the removal of organs.
Nkgabiseng Motau, Think Creative Africa co-founder and chief creative officer, said: “Freedom Day marks the liberation of our country and its people. But it is more than that. It reinforces the freedom we enjoy today, such as freedom of movement, speech and choices, of which human trafficking violates.”
A21 South Africa country manager Katie Modrau said human trafficking is at an all-time high within our societies and more so goes unnoticed.
“We’d endeavour to bring awareness to this crime, the many facets it presents and how civil society can play its role. Human trafficking is the abuse of children, women and men for their bodies and labour. It’s modern-day slavery.
“The more we know about this issue, the more we can protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. No one person can do everything but every one of us can do something,” said Modrau.
Diane Wilkinson, CEO of National Freedom Network, said to effectively combat human trafficking, strategic networking, collaboration and partnership is needed.
“We also need awareness. We need civil society to work with government entities. More discussions need to take place on public platforms,” said Wilkinson.
Report any human trafficking suspicions to 0800 222 777 or visit 0800222777.org.za or visit www.a21.org or www.nfn.org.za for more information.
Join the conversation at #TheTraffickYouNeedToKnow
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