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South Africa is no Stranger to Human Trafficking

News
21 August 2018
Currently human slavery continues to make its indelible mark on the face of the Republic of South Africa and the world at large.
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In the 21st century the slave trade of human beings is rampant across the globe.  South Africa is certainly no exception despite slavery being abolished circa 1834 in the Cape Colony.  Akin to most countries in the world—rich and poor—this country is actively locked in the heinous act of stealing and selling its vulnerable citizens—children, including babies, women and men for profit and power.

Currently human slavery continues to make its indelible mark on the face of the Republic of South Africa and the world at large.  Human trafficking, by its very nature is a catastrophic severe emotional, physical and psychological traumatic experience. 

The inhumane crime of trafficking in persons was succinctly encapsulated by the former President of the United States of America, Barack Obama (American Bar Association, 2012) in the opening paragraph of his poignant speech.

"I want to discuss an issue that ought to concern every person, because it is a debasement of our common humanity. It ought to concern every community, because it tears at our social fabric. It ought to concern every business, because it distorts markets. It ought to concern every nation, because it endangers public health and fuels violence and organized crime. I’m talking about the injustice, the outrage, of human trafficking, which must be called by its true name—modern slavery."

Human trafficking is a multi-levelled worldwide phenomenon comprising several illegal activities. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, innocent and vulnerable young people are captured, bought, sold and used as commodities in the same manner as spiritless drugs and firearms trafficking.

Human beings are trafficked in their own countries (country of origin); brought in from other countries (destination country, for example, South Africa); or in transit destined for transportation to other parts of the world. According to the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa (NPA) and the Human Resources Research Council (HSRC), South Africa is “primarily a destination for human trafficking.” South Africa is no stranger to this crime. 

Notwithstanding the enormity of the illegal and inhumane practices of modern slavery, this research focuses on the notoriety of two forms—namely, forced labour and commercial sexual exploitation of men, women and children in South Africa.  In addition, women and children are trafficked for domestic work in this country.  Similarly, women and girls are earmarked for sexual exploitation. However, it is not unusual for boys and men to be trafficked into commercial sexual exploitation.

** You can read more here for tips on how to protect yourself and your loved ones against becoming victims of human trafficking.


Written by Soraya Smith; Registered Counsellor specialising in providing support and guidance to victims of trafficking.