THE number of people in the region involved in the sex trade is massive and escalating.
LifeLine Zululand has made contact with over 2 000 sex workers through various outreach initiatives funded by Networking HIV, Aids Community of South Africa (NACOSA).
But the actual number is much higher and is expected to rise.
Included in this figure are individuals engaging in sexual activities or favours in exchange for payment, either in cash or kind, including air time, groceries, clothing, living space or luxury items.
LifeLine Zululand Director Michelle Jewlal says owing to the economic downturn one could expect an increase in the number of people entering the clandestine industry, either through commercial sex work or lured via sugar daddies.
‘Unemployment is rapidly rising as a result of retrenchments, drought and the worldwide slump in commodity prices, which has hit the local economy hard.
‘These are desperate times and school leavers will also struggle to find employment in current conditions.
‘But not everybody who turns to the lifestyle is desperate – many sex workers find it to be a very lucrative trade.
‘LifeLine support is strictly confidential and we cannot disclose any other information whatsoever, but we know that the actual figures are much higher than reflected by those who actively seek help or become involved in our Risk Reduction Workshops.
‘Although 2 000 seems disproportionately high for a small city, we must take into account that these areas include the communities of Richards Bay, Empangeni, eSikhaleni, Mandlazini, Mandlankala, Nseleni, KwaDlangezwa, Mtubatuba , Mzingazi, Veldenvlei, Brackenham, Aquadene and Meerensee, just to place the number in perspective.’
Exit strategy
Sex work in any form is illegal in South Africa and by no means condoned by LifeLine.
But, Jewlal says, it is a social phenomenon which must be dealt with to reduce the risks for both the workers and their market by educating both sides on the risks and dangers involved.
‘LifeLine Durban has over the past 12 years developed a successful programme to assist sex workers with an exit strategy from the lifestyle.
‘With the support of local businesses, they provide education, skills training, capacity building programmes and employment opportunities.
‘We unfortunately do not have the same infrastructure, business partnerships, volunteers and financial assistance, but haven’t given up hope in trying to achieve the same results
‘Our current strategy revolves around a variety of activities such as condom distribution, day and night outreach and Risk Reduction Workshops providing opportunities for sex workers to participate and received information on HIV/Aids, other sexually transmitted diseases, cancer and general health care.
‘We also provide psychosocial support and other assistance in complete confidentiality.
‘Sex workers are traditionally associated with females, but more and more men are joining the market and are at equal risk.’
