THE FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING MUST EXPAND BEYOND RESCUE TO PREVENTION

By Sipho Ncube

• Human trafficking – modern-day slavery – thrives on silence and desperation and will only be defeated through awareness, vigilance, and collective action.
• Recent rescue efforts repatriating young South Africans from Myanmar show just how real the threat of trafficking is.
• In Gauteng, the Department of Social Development is proactively running various awareness campaigns to warn young people about fake overseas job offers that promise quick money and a better life.

Government’s ongoing efforts to rescue and repatriate South Africans who fall victim to human trafficking are commendable. But bringing people home is only one part of the battle. Much more must be done to prevent this crime from happening in the first place.

Human trafficking is often described as a “hidden crime” because it operates in the shadows: victims are recruited through deception, transported across borders, and exploited for profit.

Many people do not fully understand what trafficking is, which makes it easier for criminals to operate undetected.

South Africa strengthened its response when it signed the United Nations’ Palermo Protocol in 2000, leading to the enactment of the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act (Act 7 of 2013).

The law provides a clear definition of trafficking and outlines measures for prevention, protection, and prosecution. But laws alone are not enough. Communities must also be informed and alert.

In Gauteng, the Department of Social Development has stepped up awareness campaigns through motorcades, door-to-door visits, marches, and dialogues. These initiatives target young people, warning them about fake overseas job offers that promise quick money and a better life.

Public spaces such as taxi ranks and higher learning institutions have become key platforms for education.

Officials warn against unsolicited job offers, especially those advertised on social media without verifiable company details. Red flags include unrealistic salaries, no formal contracts, interviews conducted only via WhatsApp or email, and offers that cover travel and accommodation without proper screening.

Recent events have shown just how real this threat is.

Through the National Intersectoral Committee on Trafficking in Persons, government departments responsible for law enforcement, social services, and immigration worked together to repatriate 17 of 120 young South Africans who were trafficked via Thailand and exploited in Myanmar.

The victims came from Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, North West, and the Western Cape, demonstrating that trafficking networks operate nationwide.

Many of the victims were recruited through Facebook and by people known to them, including acquaintances and even trusted community members. Online interviews were conducted, travel was arranged, and everything appeared legitimate.

One of the returnees, a 25-year-old who asked to be called “The Don”, left South Africa in November 2024 hoping to support his four siblings after losing his mother.

He had previously worked on a contract that was not renewed. When the overseas opportunity came, it seemed like an answer to his family’s struggles.

Instead, he found himself trapped: communication with his family was restricted and conditions were poor.

He only realised the seriousness of the situation when irregular visa arrangements and constant vehicle transfers raised suspicion. The operation was eventually shut down after authorities intervened, leading to his rescue.

His story highlights the three key elements of trafficking: recruitment, transportation, and exploitation. It also shows how vulnerability, unemployment, family responsibility, and financial pressure, can be exploited by traffickers.

Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. It involves the buying and selling of people for exploitation, whether for forced labour, sexual exploitation, servitude, or other forms of abuse. It violates basic human rights and affects people of all races, ages, and backgrounds.

Rescue and repatriation efforts are critical, but prevention must remain the priority.

Communities need to question offers that seem too good to be true. No legitimate employer demands secrecy, rushed decisions, or no formal contracts.

Government has made available support systems for victims, including shelters and psychosocial services that focus on healing and reintegration. The victim-centred approach is essential in helping survivors rebuild their lives.

However, government cannot fight this crime alone. Parents, educators, faith-based organisations, and community leaders must verify overseas opportunities before young people travel. Suspicious cases should be reported immediately.

Human trafficking thrives on silence and desperation. It will only be defeated through awareness, vigilance, and collective action. Rescuing victims is important, but stopping traffickers before they strike must be our shared responsibility.

• Sipho Ncube is with the Gauteng Department of Social Development.*