Walk to end human trafficking at Blue Lagoon

RIGHT here in Durban is a non-profit organisation with members working tirelessly to combat human trafficking.

It’s called the Umgeni Community Empowerment Centre (UCEC) and was co-founded by Gloria de Gee who, for over two decades, has helped women, men and children, all survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence (GBV), via numerous projects and initiatives.

Also read: Business owner appeals to City to repair streetlights on Riverside Road

De Gee, together with Durban North resident Elham Hatfield of the Disaster Relief Support programme, will raise funds and awareness against these issues by holding an anti-human-trafficking walk at Blue Lagoon on October 5.

“Our aim is to create awareness about human trafficking, to teach parents and the community about the signs and to also raise funds to support these initiatives,” said De Gee.

The walk starts at Green Corridors, with registration taking place between 08:00 and 09:00. The walk will commence at 09:00.

De Gee said that it was the 11th walk for UCEC, and the City and various sponsors, such as service clubs, non-profit and non-government organisations and businesses, are also involved.

“People often hear the term ‘human trafficking’ but are unaware of the broader picture. Since 2020, social media has become one of the most-used avenues for traffickers to find their victims. We think our children are safe at home with their devices, but we don’t know what’s going on in the cyber world. Who are they chatting to? What are they being asked to do? Are they being asked to send pictures? These are the issues we want to discuss with parents and would love for the business sector to give us a few minutes to engage with parents at the workplace,” said De Gee.

The programme following the walk will include a guest speaker as well as a survivor of trafficking.

“It’s important to hear the testimony of a survivor. It depicts a clear narrative of just what can happen out there. Recently, a survivor managed to get away from her abductors. We want to equip people with tactics and information on what to do if you find yourself being trafficked,” she said.

The woman was out in Durban when her drink was spiked. She woke up in Johannesburg wondering where she was. She was then sold for sex and realised the only way to get out was to gain the trust of the traffickers. Once she found a way out, she contacted De Gee who, in turn, reached out to her network to assist the woman by getting her to a hospital.

One of the initiatives that the centre runs is Shiloh House Crisis Centre – a home for women and children seeking refuge.

“The centre provides support and counselling services while serving as a safe haven for beneficiaries to deal with their circumstances while living a dignified life,” she said.

Also read: Durban North woman provides relief to those in need

This is a temporary solution for the victims of gender-based violence and human trafficking until they are able to find a sustainable way of life.

The UCEC also visits schools and speaks to learners who are about to finish school and seek job opportunities. Places of safety and orphanages are also visited.

Also involved with the walk is Disaster Relief Support, managed by Elham Hatfield of Durban North, which assists UCEC with donations of food and clothes.

“I met Gloria about two years ago when I was also planning a walk to stop human trafficking,” she said.

“I am now assisting with the walk, as well,” said Hatfield.

Tickets for the walk cost R100 and can be purchased via Webtickets. Tickets will also be sold at the Pick ‘n Pay Hyper by the Sea, Durban North, on the last two weeks of September from 09:30 to 16:00.

After the event, fitness classes, red dragons karate, a mini market, talks and a kids zone will be available for supporters to enjoy.

For more information, email gloria@ucec.org.za.

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here