CONCERNED with rising human-trafficking statistics in the country, the local Salvation Army’s Lieutenant Zama Shelembe is spearheading a campaign to raise awareness.
“The first time I was exposed to the topic of human trafficking was in 2010 when I was in college. We were taught about how the Salvation Army was helping many girls who had been cruelly taken away from their families and forced into prostitution,” said the 25 year-old Lt Shelembe.
The Salvation Army church members would hold ‘urban-camps’ near brothels praying and inviting those passing by to join them.
“We managed to help many men and women who had fallen into prostitution by showing them that there were other means of living and that God still loved them,” said Lt Shelembe.
Touched by the stories of those she met during these camps, Lt Shelembe decided that she too wanted to reach out and make a difference.
“Vryheid is surrounded by rural areas where a lot of people are not taught in detail the dangers of human-trafficking and how it could happen to you or someone you know. People from rural areas are offered too-good-to-be-true jobs and in their desperation get on the next taxi to the big cities unaware that they are being conned,” she said.
Determined to bring an end to this growing crime, Lt Shelembe invites all local churches, community members and businesses to be a part of a march to raise awareness against human trafficking and substance abuse, which will be held on Saturday, September 24.
The march will assemble at the Mason Clinic Park at 9:30 am, and head up to the police station where a memorandum will be handed over to the police.
Those who would like to wear their church attires are encouraged to do so. No political T-shirts will be allowed.
Anyone who would like to know more about this movement is encouraged to attend the anti-human trafficking workshop, which will be held at the Salvation Army Church situated in 4th Avenue, Bhekuzulu New Location.
For details contact 034 982 3113.
If you have any interesting stories please send them to: estella@caxton.co.za or Contact us on: 034 981 39 30.
Also Find us on: Facebook, Twitter, and on WhatsApp 060 98 60 731.
